Did you know that the Belgian Red Devils have now been supporting street children in Mexico for 30 years?

06/03/2017

Thirty years ago, the Belgian National Football Team began making investments in support of street children in Mexico. Today, the project is still being pursued, and has never been more successful.

It all began in 1986, when the Belgian national football team made it to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Mexico. While they were there, the team were moved by the situation of the street children in the city of Toluca. Many of them – orphans, victims of rape, prostitution, alcohol, and drugs – were reduced to begging the players for money. At the end of their stay, the Red Devils decided to do something to help these children.

The very next year, the "Casa Hogar" centre, which provides care, education, and advice to street children, was opened in Mexico. Today, Casa Hogar is more than just a refuge or rescue centre. Since 1987, hundreds of children have grown up in this centre, which is staffed by a local team of professionals who provide education and a home atmosphere to the children. On 8 June 2017, a gala dinner will be organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this generous project.