The event, requested by groups last year, promotes collaboration and new sign-ups

Andorra la Vella's Plaça del Poble hosted the fourth Volunteer Fair on Saturday, marking the first outdoor edition after prior events at the Congress Centre. The gathering featured 23 associations aiming to highlight collaboration opportunities, recruit new participants and strengthen ties among groups.

Culture Minister Mònica Bonell opened the event, which organisations had sought last year to increase public exposure. She highlighted the benefits of the open-air format, enabling direct interactions between residents and nonprofits to learn about their goals, needs and involvement options.

Bonell reaffirmed government backing for volunteering, pointing to a bill tabled in parliament last week to update the 2010 Volunteer Law. The revisions focus on safeguarding participants' rights and adapting rules to current realities. She urged groups to share views during the consultation phase.

Association leaders welcomed the initiative. Audrey Montel, head of GosSOS, described enhanced protections as a positive step that boosts their visibility. Lluís de Juan, a Red Cross volunteer, called it vital for strengthening the sector. Joaquim Pujol, who oversees the government's Youth Participation and Volunteering Area, said officials are gathering input early, with some responses already received and others pending. Sandra Cano, president of the At-Risk Youth Association, valued their inclusion and plans to review the text for additional feedback.