#Spain #La Palma #Macaronesian Gin #Vicente Leal #La Palma Volcano

A Heartwarming Initiative to Restore Hope

Three years have passed since La Palma's devastating volcanic eruption, which lasted for 85 intense days. During this time, over 5,000 people were evacuated and approximately 1,000 homes were destroyed. Among those who suffered the loss was Vicente Leal, a dedicated resident whose dream home stood worryingly close to the volcano's crater. Vicente had spent thirty years of his life, pouring all his efforts and savings into building a dream house on an inherited piece of land amidst a stunning Canarian forest and with breathtaking ocean views. Just when it seemed he was nearing realization of his dreams, the eruption in September 2021 turned everything upside down.

When the volcano erupted right behind his home, Vicente witnessed the terrifying advance of lava, which eventually buried his beloved house under a thick layer of ash. Though the eruption threatened to shatter his lifelong dream, Vicente's resolve did not falter. With the support of his family and some close friends, he bravely entered the dangerous zone during the eruption, armed with only a shovel. His mission was to clear a pathway to his chimney, ensuring he could later recognize his home amidst the ash-covered landscape.

As time passed and the ash settled, Vicente found himself wrestling with the monumental task of clearing away the volcanic debris, a necessary step to reclaim his dream. Amidst this struggle, Vicente made the brave decision to create a video, reaching out for assistance in his journey. It was at this pivotal moment that Macaronesian Gin, a local distillery using water filtered through volcanic tunnels, responded to his call for help.

Macaronesian Gin launched an inspiring initiative under the banner of “Macaronesian Stories,” aimed at fundraising to help Vicente rebuild his home. The project today kicks off with the release of a short film titled The Dream that Beat a Volcano, which tells Vicente's extraordinary story of resilience and determination. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the unyielding human spirit, as well as a call to action for the community.

To bolster this heartfelt campaign, personalities from the Canary Islands have rallied to support Vicente, demonstrating the solidarity and resilience of the local people amidst adversity. Recently, several notable figures gathered at Vicente's property for a special meeting—the first since the volcanic eruption—captured beautifully in the short film. This unique encounter brought together actors, musicians, designers, and artists, all sharing a common aspiration to champion dreams and celebrate life in spite of challenging circumstances.

In addition to viewing the moving short film, those interested can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign aimed at facilitating Vicente’s recovery. The initiative reflects hopes not just for Vicente but signifies encouragement to all those trying to rebuild their lives after the disaster.

For more information about the crowdfunding campaign and to view the inspiring video, visit macaronesianstories.com. Watch the videos here: B-Roll and A-Roll. Join us in this remarkable endeavor to restore hope and rebuild dreams following the destruction caused by nature's fury.