More companies should be encouraged to support volunteer work

“More companies should be encouraged to support volunteer work”

Even if Walter Pack didn’t offer Asun Corvo and Carmen Nieto the opportunity to volunteer during their working hours, they would likely still find time on weekends or in their free time. Solidarity is something that has always inspired these two women from Walter Pack’s Injection Area.

Still, it would be much more complicated. “Weekends are for family, for other obligations, and time is limited. But when your company makes it easier… more companies should be encouraged to promote volunteering,” says Asun.

Accompanying seniors

Both women recently took part for the first time in an activity organized by Ner Group and the Red Cross of Igorre, accompanying around thirty seniors on different hiking routes. They are thrilled — both with the experience itself and with the opportunity to dedicate 2% of their working time to social engagement, a commitment that is deeply rooted in the DNA of both Walter Pack and Ner Group. Nevertheless, many people in their circles are surprised by the initiative.

"Everyone thinks it’s a great idea, but they’re really amazed by it — even the seniors we accompanied. Several of them asked me, ‘But do you have to work after this?’ And I answered, ‘No, I'm working right now, with you.’ ‘And will you get paid?’ they asked. ‘Yes, I will,’” Asun recounts, while her colleague Carmen adds: "It’s amazing," especially compared to the usual business mindset of "produce, produce, produce."

However, this isn’t the only reason they decided to take part in the initiative promoted by Ner Group and the Red Cross. Carmen has always been sensitive to the loneliness many elderly people face, especially since working as a nursing assistant in a care home in Madrid. “I saw so many lonely people there, some with no family at all… the reality of loneliness really struck me. That’s why I wanted to participate in this program,” she explains. For Asun, on the other hand, this was a completely new experience — one she was eager to try.

The two joined a diverse group made up of active, independent seniors who were used to hiking and, as Asun jokes, “in great shape.” The goal was to accompany them on two outings: a hike up Artxanda via the new footbridge, and a 15-kilometer walk from Igorre to Usansolo, through the Arratia Valley. Although the structure of the activities didn’t allow for deep personal connections, it did bring a few surprises — like when Carmen recognized one of the seniors as a neighbor from the small town in Extremadura where her parents were born. “Small world,” she laughs

After the experience, both Carmen and Asun describe it as “enriching” and “rewarding,” and they are eager to participate in similar initiatives again. Carmen has already secured a spot for another event in May, while Asun just missed out but hopes to join when the program restarts after the summer break.

“If it happens again in September, I’ll definitely go back. It was such an enriching experience. Seeing how these seniors can hike, climb, and keep going while I was practically exhausted was inspiring!” she says, describing the experience as “fascinating.”

For Carmen, it was a “satisfying” experience that “strengthened” her, especially because it was outdoors and allowed her to enjoy the scenery. “I’ll definitely do it again — I’m already signed up for May.”