In times of difficulty, it is necessary to increase efforts to attend to those most in need. The Cruz Roja -Spain's Red Cross- have launched the Cruz Roja Responde campaign, and are being assisted by the VCF Footballers Association.

"The aim is to attend to some 350,000 people on a national level over the next two months, says Juan José Collado, the regional delegate for Cruz Roja in Valencia.

"There is a budget of 11 million euros and it is being carried out with public and private institutions."

The campaign, backed by sportsmen like Rafa Nadal and Pau Gasol, intends to give direct attention to the collectives most at risk during thr COVID-19 crisis, especially the elderly.

"In Valencia alone we have provided 700 daily services to the elderly in these first 15 days: Food kits, hygiene kits, medicine... there is a lot of work at the moment, continued Collado. The Cruz Roja also continue with their habitual work with the homeless and humanitarian assistance for refugees and immigrants.

The work is being undertaken thanks to the 24,000 volunteers in the Valencia region who have been contributing, and the public and private entities who support the initiative -including Valencia CF.

"I want to thank Valencia CF: The club, the team, the fans... because they always answe the call of the Cruz Roja," said Collado, who recalled the open training session held at Mestalla recently to raise money for the elderly.