Banco Santander honors HOGAR SÍ palliative care program

A tribute to dignity and commitment

HOGAR SÍ’s palliative care program has received an important recognition from Banco Santander, as part of its philanthropic initiative “Euros de tu nómina” (“Euros from your Salary”). This award means a boost and, above all, a validation of the quiet yet essential work carried out for people experiencing homelessness who, unfortunately, are facing the final moments of their lives. Every six days, a person without a home dies on the street. Alone, with no access to medical care or affection. Faced with this painful reality, HOGAR SÍ’s palliative care project proves that dignity can and must be present at the end of life.

Alejandra and Richard Gere attend the Banco Santander “Euros de tu Nómina” Awards ceremony

As members of the board of trustees of HOGAR SÍ, Alejandra and Richard Gere attended the “Euros from your Salary” awards ceremony held by Banco Santander, and showed their support for a cause that moves and mobilizes both. The event was graced by Her Majesty the Queen of Spain, together with Ms. Ana Botín (Banco Santander Executive Chair), along with prominent figures from Spanish politics, business, and civil society. Both Alejandra and Richard spoke at the event. After congratulating all the awarded organizations, they shared a particularly inspiring message with the audience. During her speech, Alejandra reminded the audience that the goal of the HOGAR SÍ palliative care program is not only to provide physical relief, but also emotional and human support:

“We want to prevent anyone from dying on the street without someone holding their hand. End-of-life care is not a luxury, it’s a right.”

She also highlighted that in 2023, more than 120 people experiencing homelessness received comprehensive care and support thanks to this pioneering project. “It’s a form of justice. A society that does not care for its most vulnerable is broken on the inside,” Alejandra told the audience. Richard Gere, for his part, made a call to action:

“Homelessness is one of those realities nobody wants to see. And without someone seeing you, without someone reaching out a hand, it’s very hard to get back up and rebuild your life.”

A day full of emotions and gratitude

Through her social media, Alejandra Gere later shared the emotions of such a meaningful day for everyone involved in the project. In her words:

“Today has been a very special day, full of emotions and recognition. I’m deeply grateful for the generosity and solidarity of all Banco Santander employees who took part in ‘Euros from your Salary’ and made it possible for our project with HOGAR SÍ to be awarded.”

HOGAR SÍ’s palliative care program has become a benchmark for how collaboration between social organizations, financial institutions, and committed foundations can make a real difference in the lives — and the deaths — of society’s most excluded individuals. Additionally, Alejandra and Richard had the opportunity to meet with Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander. They expressed their gratitude to her for supporting such human and hopeful projects as HOGAR SÍ and the other awarded initiatives, and discussed the broader problem of access to housing that Spanish society is facing today.

Caring until the end: a shared mission

At The Gere Foundation, we continue to support projects like this — initiatives that bring back humanity where society fails. The award granted by Banco Santander means not just a recognition, but also a beacon that lights the path ahead. Because every person deserves to be cared for, listened to, and accompanied. Even — and especially — in their final days.

Thank you, from the heart, for showing that together we can build a more just and compassionate world.