Our Spanish Heroes and Heroines! Chilhood in a box

BANK OF TIME

What is the bank of time?
It is a tool with which a group of people can create a social economic alternative. In a Time Bank skills are exchanged between members without using money, only the hours of service rendered and received are counted.

How did you find out about the bank of time?
On holiday in Greece, some friends told me what the banks of time are. Then in Barcelona I saw a sign on the streets about it. And I started being part of that amazing project.

Why did you participate in this project?
I had a lot of free time and I thought it would be very interesting to learn new things and meet different people.

BANK OF TIME

Do you plan to leave the time bank?
Never, is it my passion. I have a great time and I help a lot of people.

What is your skill?
I offer to teach how to make Greek recipes and help to plan trips to Greece. Also, English conversation and teaching board games.

How many exchanges have you made?
Lots, maybe about 30. The last thing I did was asking someone to take me to the vet because I don't have a car.

Which banks of time are you right now?
I'm in Sans and also Badalona.

RED CROSS

What is the Red Cross?
It is an international humanitarian organization that helps people in situations of basic need or vulnerability caused by any reason and without exclusion or discrimination of any kind.

Since when are you a volunteer?
I volunteered during confinement because I had time and to be able to help people who needed it at that time.

Have you helped abroad?
Hopefully. I would very much like to do some international cooperation.

Why is the symbol a red cross?
Because the idea was from Swiss and the flag of Switzerland was used. Also, white is the color of peace.

What has been your biggest volunteer experience?
To have accompanied the elderly to receive medical attention in hospitals and receive their immense gratitude.

RED CROSS

What does it feel like to help people in need?
Huge satisfaction and happiness.

How many hours do you dedicate?
At first more because I was not working, now somewhat less: about 3-4 hours a week.

At what age can you become a volunteer?
At 16, although you can help when you are younger as long as you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

What does your collaboration consist of?
I am part of the Red Cross Youth group and I am one responsible for the RRSS (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, ...) of the Red Cross of Mollet.

Have you saved someone from the Covid-19 pandemic?
We have helped many people. I do not know if we have saved them or not, but they have had our help and collaboration at their disposal in one of the worst moments of their lives.

Do you ask for a title to be a Red Cross volunteer?
No. Just involvement and dedication.

ANIMAL SHELTER

Why did you decide to work in a shelter?
I have been here since 2016. I really like animals and I studied biology and did a course related to dogs. And I really like being able to help animals.

How long have you been working there?
For 5 years.

What do you do in the shelter?
We gather dogs that have been lost or have been abandoned. We put them in a first cage looking if they have a chip and then we pass them to another place. We give them all the attention, food and vet. Then, we look for a familty to adopt them.

ANIMAL SHELTER

Have you ever been attacked by an animal?
Yes, I have been bitten. There are animals that are very scared and when we approach they sometimes react by biting because they are very scared.

How does animal shelter work?
Because of Covid, interested people called and an interview is conducted. They come here to see the animal and if we see that they fit, they can adopt it. Any animal that comes out of the shelter comes out with all the vaccines, chipped and sterilized.

How many animals have you been able to accommodate throughout your career?
Last year we hosted 180, right now there are about 70.