Barcelona, December 23, 2025 – The festive season has been brightened for many seniors in Barcelona thanks to the ‘Ciao! There’s a gift for you’ initiative, a collaborative effort by Fundación GAES Solidaria and Amplifon Foundation. This project, part of the ongoing ‘Ciao!’ program established in 2020, aims to enhance the physical, social, and emotional well-being of older adults by fostering connection and combating loneliness.
Over 150 Volunteers Deliver Personalized Gifts
More than 150 dedicated employees from Amplifon Iberia (GAES) enthusiastically participated in the purchase, preparation, and hand-delivery of over 200 personalized gifts to residents of the Vallbona and Poblenou care homes, managed by the Pere Mata Foundation. This initiative goes beyond mere gift-giving; it emphasizes companionship and active listening, creating unique and meaningful moments for the elderly.
Each gift was carefully selected with a specific recipient in mind, demonstrating a heartfelt intention behind every present. Over recent weeks, volunteers were involved in every step of the process, from choosing and wrapping the gifts to their final delivery. Two emotional days, on December 16 and 19, were filled with smiles, conversation, and shared time, highlighting that the companionship and connection were as important as the gifts themselves.
Commitment to Social Inclusion and Combating Loneliness
“With ‘Ciao! There’s a gift for you,’ the Amplifon Foundation reinforces its commitment to social inclusion, thanks also to our volunteers, a fundamental human and strategic resource for the Foundation, in Spain and worldwide,” stated Maria Cristina Ferradini, CEO of the Amplifon Foundation. This initiative, now active in four countries-Italy, France, Portugal, and, as of this year, Spain-has fulfilled over 750 Christmas wishes. Ferradini added, “The greatest gift? The one we receive: the contagious zest for life of the elderly!”
The ‘Ciao!’ project, since its inception in 2020, has been dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors by creating spaces for connection and experiences that combat loneliness and strengthen human bonds. This latest Christmas initiative perfectly encapsulates the project’s core values.
Maria José Gassó, President of Fundación GAES Solidaria, commented, “This project reflects who we are: people who transform realities. Each volunteer has turned a simple gesture into a unique moment, demonstrating that solidarity is built with heart and action. Being present at the gift delivery allowed me to experience the emotion and joy of the recipients.”
Broader Impact and Future Endeavors
The success of the ‘Ciao! There’s a gift for you’ campaign underscores the growing need for initiatives that address social isolation among the elderly, especially during holiday seasons. The personalized approach and active involvement of volunteers ensure that each interaction is meaningful, contributing significantly to the emotional well-being of the recipients.
This program is a testament to the power of community and corporate social responsibility in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Fundación GAES Solidaria and Amplifon Foundation continue to lead by example, fostering a culture of empathy and support.
Further information on responsible practices can be found in Corresponsables publications.
Source: https://www.corresponsables.com/actualidad/voluntarios-fundacion-gaes-solidaria-magia-navidad-personas-mayores-barcelona/
