A grain of sand in "Ciutat Vella" 2

Dec 21, 2021 |

This year 2021, from ALBIUM – Properties in Barcelona, and for the second consecutive year, we have carried out a solidarity action with the AGAPEMAS collective.

AGAPEMAS is a nationwide organization, present in Barcelona and other parts of the country, that works for people at risk of social exclusion and, more practically, for homeless groups, asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of sexual exploitation.

As in the previous year, the action has been divided into two parts:

Collection of warm clothing and sleeping bags . Our office has become a collection point for all types of warm clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets. We have received many donations from clients, family members, and neighborhood residents. On December 9, we delivered all the collected sleeping bags and clothing to the AGAPEMAS store in Raval.

The action of going out to distribute clothes . And here's where I'd like to focus on this occasion. For some of the members of the Albium office in Barcelona, this was their first time going out, while for others it was a repeat from the previous year.

This time, the distribution took place in the Gothic Quarter and Raval neighborhoods. After a year of the pandemic, the situation hasn't changed much. During the outing, we debated between the pre-Christmas period, filled with joy and hope, and the contrast between people living on the streets and needing warm clothing, access to soup kitchens, and sleeping, when they can, in shelters.

Some of the comments collected from Albium colleagues:

What captivated Paola was the strength and positivity conveyed by these people who, despite the extreme circumstances they lived in, tried to find strength from where there was none to be happy.

Montse noted, "What I learned last Saturday was the other reality of life: forgetting my problems and learning to appreciate what I have. If I was able to contribute a little bit of joy, it multiplied for me and made me feel very happy."

What most surprised Josep María, who went out in the Gothic Quarter this time, was how invisible this group of people in need can be. The same streets where he normally walks for work-related issues are also where he sees many people in need.

The entire ALBIUM – Properties in Barcelona team was satisfied with the campaign and the charitable work carried out in the Gothic and Raval neighborhoods.