We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
Mother Teresa
Once you are settled in your new home and begin to live life as a “madrileña”, you start wondering what activities you can sign up for or even, straightforward, what you can do to help those most in need.
—In Madrid there are thousands of activities to get busy with —points out Paloma as efficient as ever.
—And from which to get a benefit, too —affirms Almudena happily.
—And one of them is volunteering.
—Certainly!
Strictly speaking, volunteering is the set of activities of general interest carried out by individuals within public or private organizations, which have a free and supportive nature, without involving any personal obligation or legal duty.
—In the Community of Madrid website you can find all the volunteer organizations in the region and check the available positions at any time—says Palo, highlighting the practical side.
—It’s meant for people interested in volunteering —adds Almu encouraging her colleague to continue with the description.
—They also assist organizations that need collaboration and advice for the development of their solidarity projects.
—And, finally, they help companies that want to implement voluntary actions within their corporate social responsibility.
—This information and advice service is provided by the “Punto de Información de Voluntariado” of the Community of Madrid.
—In person, by telephone and through its web.
Madrid City Council has a program, Voluntari@s por Madrid, for volunteers. It has its own volunteer team, which can be joined by anyone who is interested and willing to participate in any of the 98 projects and solidarity actions carried out in all areas of social life in the city.
—I’ve collaborated with Caritas —comments Almu passionately.
—Yeah, I remember, it was the “operación kilo” campaign, organizing the collection of food for needy families —remembers Palo.
—Exactly! Caritas Madrid is the official section of the Church of Madrid to promote, guide, coordinate and, where appropriate, federate charitable and social action in the Diocese of Madrid.
—Besides, it’s very easy to find: they work in most of the Churches.
—And I cooperate with Make a Wish —remarks Palo with decision.
—Its mission is to provoke illusion in children who suffer from serious illnesses and their families —explains Almu, also aware of the activities of her old friend and colleague.
—As they state, children’s illusions are a source of joy and emotional strength, helping to improve their response to illness.
—And, don’t forget the Food Bank.
—Of course not! “Banco de Alimentos” obtains and distributes, free of charge, food to charities dedicated to the assistance and direct care of needy people.
Move & Care is our social responsibility program.
A percentage of every euro we earn for our services is donated to the CRIBS Foundation. We want to contribute to the welfare and education of children at risk, opening them the opportunity for a better future. CRIBS Foundation was founded in 1974 in Manila (Philippines) to provide assistance to abandoned and exploited children.
—And some of our very dear friends have been collaborating for years with Father Angel and Messengers of Peace.
—Also with the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa.
And finally, this NGO Guide can be useful when looking for a project to collaborate with.
Volunteering in English
CONCAES is a Madrid-based NGO that works to provide support to people affected by crime, whether they’re prisoners, victims or family members. One of their main initiatives is giving educational workshops for inmates, to provide or increase skills and help with rehabilitation. English classes are currently run in two different penitentiary centres and give inmates the opportunity to learn English, or improve their level with native teachers.
British Council Spain also develops solidarity projects in Madrid.
If you are planning to move to Madrid soon, you’ll find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or even if you prefer that we accompany you, check out our services.
In the meantime, you can receive regular information by filling out this questionnaire. And if you find it useful, we thank you for sharing it.
Image via Visual Hunt
