Commitment and solidarity were on full display in Valencia, Spain, as nearly 60 volunteers from WTW's Madrid and Valencia offices joined forces in a volunteer effort to assist victims of DANA, the devastating meteorological phenomenon that struck the region in November 2024.
Their mission: to support cleaning and rebuilding efforts in the most affected areas, particularly in the municipality of Catarroja.
How Was WTW's Volunteering in Valencia After DANA?
On November 29, 2024, a team of around 60 volunteers from WTW’s Valencia and Madrid offices traveled to Catarroja, one of the areas most severely impacted by DANA, a Spanish meteorological phenomenon that caused widespread devastation in Valencia, Spain.
This collective effort was a significant step in cleaning and rebuilding the community after the disaster. From the very start of the emergency, WTW committed to rapidly addressing the needs of clients by managing claims and collaborating closely with insurers and the Spanish Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros.
However, we knew that going beyond our professional role and being physically present in the affected areas was crucial to directly support the people who needed it most.
Thanks to the impeccable coordination of our colleagues Elías Forment, and Manuel Palencia, alongside collaboration with the Catarroja municipality and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), essential tasks were organized to help restore normalcy.
These efforts included cleaning streets, homes, commercial spaces, and garages using specialized equipment such as two state-of-the-art Karcher machines, purchased specifically for this purpose and later donated to the municipality.
Beyond the physical efforts, this volunteering initiative was part of a broader solidarity campaign. WTW employees raised funds to support the Red Cross campaign for the victims, and through the Matching Gifts program, WTW will double the donation’s impact.
Being on the ground not only allowed us to help but also to connect deeply with the reality faced by affected communities. Hearing residents' stories and witnessing the damage caused by DANA in Valencia firsthand was a lesson in empathy and humanity that reinforced the importance of collective action.
This effort not only left cleaner streets and restored spaces but also a powerful message: working together, hope can be rebuilt in the face of adversity.
What Is the DANA Phenomenon?
DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) is a meteorological phenomenon characteristic of Spain that occurs when a cold air mass in the upper atmosphere meets warm, humid air near the surface.
This contrast triggers torrential rains that can last for days, causing flooding, river overflows, and severe infrastructure damage.
In Valencia 2024, DANA's heavy rains left flooded streets, damaged homes, hundreds of people affected, and numerous fatalities.
What Do Participants Say About the Volunteer Work After DANA in Valencia?
The experience was transformative not only for those who received help but also for the volunteers themselves. Here are some testimonials from our colleagues:
Carla Otero – A Life-Changing Experience
“This action in Valencia taught me about human kindness. I feel so proud of how quickly my colleagues volunteered, showing the compassionate spirit of our company.
Seeing the consequences of DANA in person is incomparable to watching it on TV. These actions bring us closer to reality, and if it’s within our power, we must help.
I felt so proud to see people genuinely wanting to make a difference.”
Ana Arbelo - A Moment Full of Learning
“It was so challenging! I learned so much in such a short time... I learned to value what I have and find something positive in situations as devastating as what happened in Valencia.
I learned humility, gained resilience, and realized how important it is to help. Sometimes we think our contribution is small, but for those in need, it means the world.
I felt in my own skin how fragile and vulnerable life is. I learned that good people outnumber the bad, and when we unite, we can do amazing things.”
Another volunteer stated: “These actions are essential to appreciating what truly matters: life and people.
Initiatives like WTW’s in Catarroja provide incredible experiences, from teamwork and distinguishing between urgency and importance to valuing clients, colleagues, and partners more.
We take for granted that the conveniences of modern life—electricity, water, internet—will always be available, but when everything disappears, you value what you have so much more, and you stop stressing over insignificant events.”
Learn more about Our Stories on this blog.
Why Do We Value Volunteer Work at WTW?
At WTW, the employee volunteer program is more than just an initiative; it’s a reflection of our corporate values. We firmly believe in the power of teamwork to make a difference in our communities.
The effort in Valencia included not only physical work, like cleaning streets, homes, and businesses, but also significant donations. These actions reaffirm our commitment to people and our sense of social responsibility. Volunteer programs like the one in Valencia, Spain, don’t just rebuild cities—they also rebuild the spirit of those involved.
At WTW, we are incredibly proud of our colleagues and will continue working to build a stronger and more resilient future for our clients and communities.
See more about how WTW strengthens communities via philanthropy.
Thank you very much to all involved:
Ana Donoso, Laura López, Paqui Carruana, Blanca Torrego, Miguel Pérez, Jesús Torralba, Marta Martin, Alejandro Fernández, Kieran Finkbeiner, Ainhoa Fernández-Gancedo, Carolina Carmona, Nicolás Sanz, Iñigo Huarte-Mendicoa, Brenda Szymanowski, Maria Méntrida, Vanina DiCapua, Lucía Furrer, Javier Gardes, Ana Arbelo, María Simeone, Patricia Noeda, María Navarro, María Lasa, Carolina Ventrice, Carmen García, Almudena Benito, Maribel de Pablo, Rafael DeLecea, Carla Otero, Álvaro Taix, Marco Nicassio, Xavier Martínez, Cristina Callejon, Maria Casado, Juliana Burguburu, Elena Gimeno, Pedro León, Ignacio Puyalto, Irene Valero, María Buira, Luis Carrasco, Miguel Scholten, Juan Jose Escriche, Luís Galán, Valentina Sierra, Teri Bejarano, María Barra, Elías Forment, Manuel Palencia, Dioni Checa, Inma Claramunt, David Sancho, Vega Alegre, Tino Pérez, Mireia Villalba, Lucía Montero, Laura García, Silvia González y Elena Marí.
- Europe
- LifeatWTW
- Testimonials
