The LXXXIV General Assembly of Caritas, which is currently meeting in El Escorial, has paid a special tribute to all the volunteer individuals who accompanied and continue to accompany the victims of the dana, which occurred last October in Valencia, Letur (Albacete), Mira (Cuenca), Malaga, and Jerez.
Through the efforts of these volunteers, the five affected Caritas organizations have managed to support over 16,300 people with a total investment of more than 10 million euros.
Caritas recalled that the emergency caused by the severe floods posed a significant challenge for the most affected Caritas organizations, as they had to manage a humanitarian crisis of colossal proportions for the first time, putting their ability to respond to the needs of numerous victims under strain.
This was highlighted in a ceremony presided over by the Secretary General of Caritas Española, Natalia Peiro, and the President, Manuel Bretón, with the participation of several volunteers, as well as the directors and secretaries general of the five affected Caritas organizations: Rosa García (Albacete), Aurora Aranda (Valencia), María Paz Ramírez (Cuenca), José Miguel Santos (Malaga), and Milagros Díaz (Jerez).
Aurora Aranda, the director of Caritas Valencia, was the first to speak, acknowledging the great value of volunteers and expressing gratitude for the support received from the Caritas network. She emphasized the unity within Caritas, describing it as a great family.
Milagros Díaz, the Secretary General of Caritas Jerez, highlighted the growth in faith experienced during this challenging time, where hope entered the hearts of those affected along with the floodwaters. She emphasized the immediate response provided by volunteers, offering comfort, presence, and support to rebuild trust among affected families.
María Paz Ramírez, the Secretary General of Caritas Cuenca, emphasized the strengthened bond between Caritas and the parish following the dana emergency. She mentioned the comprehensive support provided to the 152 affected families, visiting each one alongside the parish priest.
Rosa García, the director of Caritas Albacete, shared how the emergency in Letur led to a shift in the organization’s role from being funded to becoming a funder. She highlighted the collaborative efforts with local authorities to assist families, businesses, and co-fund a day center for the elderly.
José Miguel Santos, the director of Caritas Malaga, stressed the importance of unity within the confederation in times of difficulty and emergency to provide support to those suffering.
During the event, a group of volunteers shared their experiences and the impact of their work during those challenging months. Vicente Osca, a volunteer director at Caritas Parroquial de Guadassuar, emphasized the role of volunteers in sowing hope and described the solidarity shown as a true human tsunami of support.
Approximately 500 individuals, including 193 active volunteers from parish communities across the Valencia diocese, provided assistance to victims who lost family members, homes, and livelihoods. The volunteer solidarity extended to Letur (Albacete), Malaga, Mira (Cuenca), Malaga, and Jerez.
FUENTE