A month to bring volunteering closer to everyone

• CaixaBank Volunteering celebrates the third edition of the ‘Social Month’ this May, with over 2,100 solidarity activities across Spain, focused on companionship, education, digitalization, environment, culture, and sports.

From a day of workshops, music, and sports in Barcelona to promote inclusion; visits to senior residences in Madrid and Valencia; a marathon to support the inclusion of children in Sepúlveda (Segovia); or a march with people with disabilities in Castilla-La Mancha, to an arts and crafts workshop at the University of Navarra Museum with patients from the University of Navarra Clinic (Pamplona). These are just some of the activities that have already taken place during the ‘Social Month’ across Spain, all with the shared goal of improving the lives of people in vulnerable situations throughout the country.

Bibian Navarro, a 52-year-old volunteer from Barcelona, is one of the thousands participating in the ‘Social Month’, an initiative by CaixaBank Volunteering that aims to bring volunteering closer to society throughout May by organizing over 2,100 solidarity activities in all autonomous communities.

The actions span areas such as accompaniment, education, digitalization, environment, culture, and sports, thanks to the collaboration of local social organizations in every province. “I took part in organizing the ‘Festa de la Inclusió’, a day held in Barcelona so that children with disorders could enjoy an afternoon full of workshops, games, and music,” shares Bibian. 

Despite the challenges of our time, solidarity remains a deeply rooted value in our society. “Taking part in volunteering activities shows you how generous people are and how willing they are to help. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to see the ‘blue wave’,” she says, referring to the blue shirts worn by CaixaBank volunteers.

“I had the chance to participate in a accompaniment activity with elderly people at a residence in Valencia, and we shared stories and laughter,” says David Miguel Pastor, a regular participant in the ‘Social Month’.

People are at the heart of CaixaBank Volunteering’s mission. David’s testimony confirms this: “Our goal is to make vulnerable groups feel important, just as they are,” he says with conviction. “With very little, they feel very happy. And the most valuable thing is the gratitude they express,” he adds.

“You always receive much more than you give through volunteering,” echoes Ana María Vázquez, who volunteered in the ‘Maratón Pa Tós’ in Sepúlveda (Segovia), an initiative by the Gomaespuma Foundation that promotes the inclusion of vulnerable children in Spain, Nicaragua, and Senegal.  

With a long history as a volunteer, Ana María has participated in all three editions of the ‘Social Month’ and previously in the former ‘Social Week’. “You experience very special moments that you always remember,” she says emotionally. “Initiatives like this bring solidarity closer to citizens and allow us to do our part to build a fairer society,” she concludes.

Meanwhile, Madrid-based volunteer Feliu Carbonel spent an afternoon with the elderly at the Santísima Virgen y San Celedonio Foundation Residence. “It was a delightful time, full of laughter, shared stories, and live music,” he recalls. As he reminisces about the day, one moment stands out. “I clearly remember when a woman told me: ‘Thank you for brightening my afternoon,’” he says, moved.

“I’m convinced that volunteering and social action are key tools for building a fairer society,” he affirms. Feliu also highlights the transformative power of solidarity: “Initiatives like the ‘Social Month’ help reduce inequalities and make a real impact on the lives of thousands of people.”

Commitment is essential. “I encourage everyone to take part in volunteering activities because, at any moment, any of us might need help,” says Ángel Haro, a volunteer from Talavera who helped organize the ‘XIII Vía Verde por la Integración’ in Castilla-La Mancha. “Helping others makes you realize how fortunate we are and opens your eyes to realities that, although very close, often go unnoticed,” he adds.

The story of CaixaBank Volunteering and Ángel’s journey are deeply intertwined. Now 52, he began his path in solidarity two decades ago, just as CaixaBank Volunteering was born, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since then, he has grown alongside the project, leaving a mark and becoming a symbol of commitment and generosity.

Every Tuesday, Ángel volunteers in psychomotor activities with children in Talavera de la Reina. He is one of the 20,200 CaixaBank volunteers who, in 2024, participated in more than 30,000 activities that benefited 430,000 people in vulnerable situations across the country. The blue wave keeps growing