When was the last time you helped a stranger?

Helping a stranger doesn't usually make headlines. It often happens quietly: a discreet gesture on the street, a hand extended in a moment, a conversation that comforts a stranger. But behind these small acts lies a force capable of changing lives. In Catalonia, there are many initiatives that encourage people to take this step. Projects that transform the reality of children, young people, and families who, for economic or social reasons, face more difficult paths.

These are some of the initiatives that are making it possible for aid to reach those who need it most:

School should be a place of equality, but for many children, it isn't. The Promoting School Success Project seeks to improve the quality of life of vulnerable children and young people, ages 6 to 18, especially those from low-income families. This project offers access to health care, recreational activities, and essential resources.

How many children associate a new toy with a moment of happiness? For many children in vulnerable situations, this simple gesture is unusual. With The Educational Toy, the Red Cross works to provide new and educational toys to these families, highlighting the importance of play as a tool for emotional, social, and educational development. It's not just about giving gifts, but about opening doors to imaginary worlds and values that can last a lifetime.

In nightlife venues, safety often depends on factors that shouldn't be negotiable. The Espai Propi project promotes the creation of purple points at festive events to prevent and address cases of sexual violence and LGBTIphobia. With information, support, and recreational activities, these points become a refuge and a space for raising awareness in the midst of the festivities.

The reality of nightlife also involves substance use. The Som.Nit project advocates a realistic strategy: informing young people about the risks associated with drugs, reducing harm, and promoting healthier forms of entertainment. The goal is to foster a critical awareness that allows people to enjoy the night freely and responsibly.

Too often, the debate on gender equality is left out of the reach of young people. The goal? To make respect and equality a natural part of the youth landscape.

Sport can be much more than competition. Connecta Esport, in collaboration with the FCB Foundation, promotes sports activities that foster values such as respect, effort, commitment, and teamwork. This initiative offers vulnerable children and young people a path to social inclusion and personal development through physical activity.

With Play 4 Future, many children who couldn't afford extracurricular activities have the opportunity to play sports like any other classmate.

The impact goes beyond physical fitness: playing sports strengthens social relationships, improves self-esteem, and contributes to children's emotional well-being.

Supporting children during parenting is not easy, and it is often done alone. The Positive Parenting project offers workshops for families so they can share concerns, strengthen skills, and find strategies to improve family well-being. Parenting based on respect and trust is easier when resources and support are provided.

Not everyone has the same facilities when it comes to completing paperwork, finding work, or managing their finances.

Support for Social Development is an initiative that seeks to assist people in improving their autonomy and accessing basic rights.

Support that can be the key to helping a person regain stability and rebuild a secure future.

Helping doesn't just change the recipient. It transforms us too.

And perhaps the first step to doing so is as simple as remembering: when was the last time you helped a stranger? Become a Red Cross member here.

ARA Street Survey: When was the last time you helped someone you didn't know?