Community volunteer initiatives launched in Croatia

Various community-focused volunteer projects have been implemented across Croatia to support vulnerable populations. In Valpovo, the Red Cross conducted a six-month pilot project providing respite care for family caregivers. This initiative allowed caregivers to take breaks while their family members received assistance from trained assistants, addressing the constant demands of caring for individuals with special needs.

Project leader Dunja Lazar noted that the success of this pilot has influenced legislation, as the new Law on Personal Assistance now allows these caregivers to access personal assistants. This provides social services to a group that previously lacked support and often remained isolated.

On the island of Krk, Caritas Biskupije Krk organized the seventh edition of the ‘72 hours without compromise’ project. Approximately sixty volunteers participated in fifteen different actions over four days. Activities included renovating school yards, cleaning public spaces, assisting at Caritas facilities, and performing seasonal tasks such as olive harvesting. Volunteers also engaged in social activities with residents of elderly care homes and local associations to improve community quality of life.