In September 2001 three foreign friends living in the country — Claudia Ritzel de Dávila, Mónica Solano de Dávila and Alessandra Gerotto de Avanzini — proposed to Mrs Xiomara Menéndez that they set up a programme that had been a great success in Colombia: the Café de la Leche.
The aim was simple but fundamental: to collect milk for the Hogar del Niño’s Infant Room, which at the time cared for 150 babies. The first event was held in September 2001, with the women taking part bringing milk, formula and cereals.
That small effort grew over time into an event held every month without interruption, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to stop in 2020. It has since been successfully resumed.
The Christmas tradition
Every December Mrs Xiomara opens her home for the Café de la Leche, which has become the busiest of the year. At that time of year the goal changes: instead of formula, sweets are collected for the Christmas gift bags the Hogar’s children receive.
The Café de la Leche does not only secure the babies' food: it is a symbol of commitment, solidarity and love for children.Alessandra Gerotto de Avanzini, PBO Director of Development
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