'Voluntarízate' by the Pere Claver organization wins the 32nd Volunteer Award, granted by the Government

There are projects that demonstrate that solidarity is not just a gesture, but a firm commitment to transforming lives. Good examples include the work carried out by Pere Claver-Social Services, the Right to Die with Dignity Association, and the Kilometer Zero Association, winners of the 32nd Volunteer Award granted by the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion. The awards were presented during the commemoration of International Volunteer Day at a gala held at the Auditori de Barcelona on December 2nd.

Since 1993, the Volunteer Award has been an institutional recognition of volunteering, as well as the organizations and individuals who contribute to building a more just, cohesive, and supportive society. In this year's edition, the jury evaluated 38 projects, programs, and initiatives that stood out for their quality, impact, and innovation in specific volunteer work.

First prize

The star of the gala was VolunteerThe project by the organization Pere Claver-Serveis Socials was awarded the 32nd Volunteer Prize, which includes a €10,000 award. The distinction recognizes their decade-long work supporting people in the fields of mental health and intellectual disability through the [model name missing]. peer-to-peer (on equal footing).

Pere Claver's initiative highlights its commitment to inclusive volunteering that values the life experience of volunteers and fosters symmetrical relationships with participants. This means that bonds are built on trust and mutual respect, enhancing the autonomy and active participation of those receiving support. With ten years of experience, Volunteer It has established itself as a benchmark in the Catalan social sphere.

Second prize

The second prize, worth 6,000 euros, has been awarded to the project Protection and dignity of human rights at the end of life, of theRight to Die with Dignity Association - CataloniaThis initiative defends the right of every person to decide how they want to die, ensuring conditions of autonomy and dignity. To date, the project has provided more than 2,100 services and has 125 specialized volunteers who carry out tasks such as counseling, drafting advance directives, giving talks and workshops, providing internal training, and creating informational materials. Third prize

With a prize of 4,000 euros, the third prize has been awarded to the project With you, of theKilometer Zero AssociationThe program supports young people who are or have been under the guardianship of the Generalitat (Catalan government) in their emancipation process. The program combines individualized mentoring, community activities, and spaces for collective participation, and is implemented in municipalities such as Reus, Tarragona, Hospitalet de l'Infant, and Valls. Its objective is to offer social, emotional, and community support during a key transitional stage.

During the gala, the Secretary General for Social Rights and Inclusion, Raúl Moreno Montaña, He emphasized that "volunteering is not a supplementary activity. It is the emotional, democratic, and human infrastructure of the country." Moreno stressed that volunteers have the ability to "turn obstacles into opportunities" and go beyond simply providing companionship.

This year, the evening combined social recognition and cultural tribute. To commemorate the 600th anniversary of the arrival of the Romani people to the Iberian Peninsula, a performance was offered by Boy and the NephewsA group of Catalan Roma who champion authentic Catalan rumba. The music added a touch of color and rhythm to the gala, reminding everyone that solidarity and culture are inseparable elements in building community.