Oviedo takes another step in its commitment to solidarity, childhood, and social inclusion by becoming «Ciudad Inocente 2025,» a recognition bestowed by the Inocente Foundation, known for its iconic orange character and popular charitable TV galas, to the Oviedo City Council.
Since its establishment in 1995, the Inocente Foundation has allocated over 29 million euros to projects carried out in collaboration with more than 600 social entities across Spain that work with children affected by diseases, disabilities, or vulnerability. Some of these projects have been implemented in the Principality of Asturias. Over the years, the Foundation has played a role in raising awareness in society, mobilizing resources, and shedding light on issues affecting the youngest members of society.
Under the umbrella of the «Oviedo, Ciudad Inocente» project, the Asturian capital will act as an ambassador for the Foundation until the end of 2025, directing its institutional and social activities towards raising awareness and promoting initiatives in support of vulnerable children.
The program of «Oviedo, Ciudad Inocente» will kick off with an activity in local commerce, where participating establishments will be the first ambassadors of the project. A total of 181 businesses are involved in this initiative. During this weekend and while supplies last, they will distribute customized fabric bags to their customers and share information about the Foundation. Oviedo residents and visitors will also see advertisements for the initiative on the city’s mupis.
Furthermore, after the summer, several pastry shops in Oviedo will join in with edible characters, and the proceeds will go towards the Foundation’s charitable projects. The Municipal Culture Foundation will also join this initiative, showcasing the Foundation’s work in some of its activities throughout the year.
This morning, this project was presented by the Mayor of Oviedo, Alfredo Canteli; the Councilor for Economy, Leticia González; the President of the Inocente Foundation, José Velasco; Luis Fernández-Vega, a trustee; and the Foundation’s Director, Cristina Fernández. They visited several stores on Cervantes Street: the Mimique handbag store, the Curve-a-Porter women’s fashion store, the Viena women’s fashion store, and the Balú travel agency.
The Mayor of Oviedo emphasized that «it is an honor for our city to be associated with a Foundation that has been transforming the lives of thousands of children for decades. In 2025, we want Oviedo to be a beacon of hope, empathy, and collective commitment.»
All of this with a common goal: for Oviedo to become a model city committed to the youngest and those who need it most.
Oviedo will also be a key player throughout this year in various activities organized by the Inocente Foundation, highlighting the involvement of its citizens, businesses, and institutions.
From the Foundation, its president stated that «Oviedo embodies the values we want to showcase: solidarity, commitment, closeness, and heart. We are confident that this alliance will be a success.»
The Inocente Foundation trusts that Oviedo will be the first city in a movement that will spread to other places. They hope that this experience will inspire other cities in Spain to join the initiative and also become Innocent Cities, paving the way towards a more charitable and committed society for those in need.
Thus, the year 2025 will be an opportunity for Oviedo to display its most humane, generous, and innocent side. Because when an entire city believes in childhood, the future is written with hope.
