Retired advocates who pushed the campaign “I’m big, I’m not stupid” pressed for better treatment from banks for Valencian seniors. One prominent figure, Charles St John, was among this year’s 30 award recipients, earning European Citizen 2022 honors. The European Parliament grants this recognition to EU citizens who embody European values and highlight exemplary leadership, including Jose Andres for aiding Ukrainian refugees.
Campaigning against financial exclusion of the elderly, youth signatures reached 647,950. The effort underscored the hurdles this demographic faces in banking, especially amid fewer bank branches and the push from some organizations to centralize simple transactions to online or telematic channels.
The move represented a government nudge to the financial sector, prompting major banks to respond with concrete steps to better serve seniors. Initiatives included longer cashier hours, toll-free hotlines, and programs that prioritize elder customers. The industry’s leading employers, through the AEB, also launched a protocol to guide organizational actions for this age group.
The bank will step up its efforts and prepare measures for the elderly
Charles San Juan received broad support from socialist MEP Domenec Ruiz, citizen representative Maite Pagazaurtundua, and Popular Party figure Esteban Gonzalez Pons. San Juan has since urged the government to adopt similar measures that facilitate positive banking relations for seniors.
Jose Andres earned recognition for his work with Ukrainians. After the Russian invasion, Andres mobilized the World Central Kitchen network to assist thousands of refugees who fled the fighting. Across seven countries, including Ukraine, WCK delivered up to 250,000 meals daily during the height of the crisis, supporting civilians displaced by war.
Additionally, awards honored the ANAR Foundation for the 116000 hotline, a critical resource in missing-child cases.