In the heart of Playa Blanca, there is a place where community, compassion, and practical help come together. El Ático de la Abuela is far more than just a shop selling pre-loved items; it is a vital lifeline for families across Lanzarote who are struggling to make ends meet. Co-owned by Pete and Dave—known to many as the founders of Canary Detect, The Leaky Finders—El Ático operates with a single, powerful belief: no family in our community should go without.
Today, however, this essential organisation is facing its own challenges and is reaching out to the community it serves for support.
More Than a Shop Seliing Pre-Loved items
At its core, El Ático operates a vibrant shop in Playa Blanca selling pre-loved clothing, furniture, and a multitude of household items. Every single item on the shelves has been kindly donated by the residents and community of Lanzarote. Whether you are looking for an outfit for date night, a saucepan to cook dinner in, or a pair of curtains for your living room, you can find it under one roof.
But the real magic happens with the proceeds. All the money generated through the shop is given directly back to families in need across the island. In 2025 alone, El Ático donated over €25,000 to people requiring help and support.
This support takes many forms. It might be providing a food package, helping to pay an electricity bill, organising a complete deep clean of a property, or even funding one-to-one nursing care. If El Ático is approached for help, the team will do everything in their power to offer support. From single mothers and abused partners to assisting social services with cases until government help is approved, El Ático steps in where it is needed most.
The People Behind the Mission
While Pete and Dave are incredibly proud to lead the organisation, they are the first to admit they do not do it alone. The day-to-day running of the shop falls to their dedicated Manager, Marian Martinez, supported by drivers who collect donations from across the island and a remarkable team of over 30 volunteers who willingly give up their free time.
Dave explains why the charity is so crucial:
“El Ático is such an important part of our local and wider community. Not only does it give people an opportunity to volunteer, who otherwise would find it hard to find somewhere where they could do so. But we simply help so many people who would not get help without us… We have made such a difference to so many lives and that is so important to me and all our volunteers.”
For Marian Martinez, the shop is a second home. She is responsible for the smooth running of the store and serves as the main point of contact for families in need.
“El Ático is more than a second-hand shop, it is a family, a community, a belonging,” Marian says. “Despite how manic it is, it gives me a huge sense of satisfaction when someone hugs me or squeezes my hand and says thank you, you make a difference in my life. Be it with a food parcel, a warm jumper, a toy for their child at Christmas or a listening ear.”
This sentiment is echoed by the volunteers. Helen Waddington, who moved to Lanzarote four years ago, found her place within the team: “Working in the El Ático shop is a great place to be. We have a real team spirit with friendly and kind people. You feel like you are making a difference and always feel appreciated… To know that El Ático has been able to help someone with a fridge or a washing machine certainly warms the heart.”
A Message from the Heart: Why We Need You Now
Every day, the dedicated team at El Ático works quietly behind the scenes. They do this not for recognition, but out of genuine care. However, the organisation recently had to relocate its premises. While the team loves their new home, it has come with a significant increase in monthly rent.
This increased financial burden, coupled with the ongoing commitment to support families with long-term and complex needs, has placed a real strain on resources. El Ático wants to be completely honest with the community: without additional support, their ability to help the families who depend on them is at risk. There is a growing waiting list of families in need—families with children, families doing their very best but simply unable to make ends meet.
For the first time, El Ático is making a direct appeal to the public.
How You Can Help
The organisation is asking for your support in the form of a donation, however big or small. Every single euro makes a real, tangible difference:
- €5 can help feed a child.
- €20 can provide a family with essential supplies for a week.
- €50 can help provide cleaners and carers for those most in need.
There is no amount too small. What matters is that together, the community can do so much more than anyone can do alone.
If you are able to donate, either as a one-off contribution or on a regular basis, you can make a payment directly to their bank account or Teaming.
Account Name: Asociacion Social El Atico de la Abuela
IBAN: ES73 0081 0540 2000 0172 5382
Teaming : https://www.teaming.net/elaticodelanzarote
If donating isn’t possible right now, the team completely understands. Instead, please consider sharing this message with friends and family. Simple word of mouth costs nothing and could reach someone who is in a position to help. The more people who know about El Ático, the more families they can reach.
You can also support El Ático by visiting the shop, donating pre-loved items, volunteering your time, or attending their community events, such as their car boot sales, quizzes, and famous “posh frock” events.
To every single person who has ever donated, volunteered, attended an event, or simply spread the word—thank you. You are the reason El Ático exists. You are the reason families in Lanzarote have food on their tables and hope in their hearts.
To get involved, donate, or volunteer: * Visit: elatico.org * Call: +34 646 475546
(To find out more about the products and services from Canary Detect, please visit canary-detect.com or call +34 711 051071)
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