The State Lottery and State Betting Company (SELAE), dependent on the Ministry of Finance, and the Spanish Association Against Cancer have signed a new agreement this Thursday whereby Loterías will inject 13.3 million euros until 2029 to support the development of the entity's programs and projects.
Under this agreement, Loterías commits an annual contribution of over 3.3 million euros to reinforce the work carried out by the Association, in which nearly 37,000 active volunteers participate throughout the country.
The signing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Finance, Arcadi España, who reiterated his support for the work carried out by this and other Third Sector organizations. He also highlighted the Association's key role in supporting people with cancer and their loved ones, as well as its contribution in social, labor, and scientific fields.
The agreement was signed by the president of SELAE, Jesús Huerta, and the president of the Association, Ramón Reyes, with the aim of funding the various social and research projects promoted by this organization.
In addition to the financial contribution, the agreement includes the holding of a National Lottery draw dedicated to the Spanish Association Against Cancer, with the aim of giving greater visibility to the activity it carries out.
More than 26 million between 2018 and 2025
The cooperation between both entities was already in effect between 2018 and 2025, a period in which Loterías allocated 26.71 million euros to the AECC. Thanks to these resources, the Association was able to assist 10,144 people last year, offering them a comprehensive response that combined social care for patients and their companions with support for research.
These funds have also made it possible to launch and maintain social programs, such as accommodation initiatives in apartments and residences for cancer patients and their families who, due to their economic vulnerability, need a place to stay to undergo treatments or medical tests away from their hometown; as well as legal advice and social care programs, which include financial aid to these families and socio-labor guidance.
Lines of action planned for 2026-2029
According to the AECC, in the next four years, social measures will be promoted with the aim of guaranteeing comprehensive coverage for the patient and their family environment. In this framework, social support for patients and families will be reinforced, expanding the network of apartments and residences. Likewise, the program aimed at patients with cancer in a situation of social vulnerability will be developed.
The contribution of Loterías will also be aimed at promoting research, through the continued financing of ongoing projects and Junior Clinical scholarships. These scholarships are intended for young researchers, reinforcing medical and scientific talent.