An intense and participatory event took place on 21 December at 6pm, at the tensile structure in Via Vittorio Veneto in Crotone, capable of uniting emotion, reflection and concrete commitment around a fundamental value: solidarity as an educational principle and foundation of a more just and secure society.
The initiative was opened by the reading of a message entrusted to a 9-year-old child, simple but extraordinarily powerful words, capable of reaching straight to the heart. A message that reminded us how a life is truly beautiful only when no one is left behind, when mutual help, kindness and respect become daily actions.
“Words that seem light – underlined from the stage Fabio Tomaino, CONF.IAL Crotone Provincial Secretary – but which weigh like a commitment that concerns the entire community”.
In his speech, Tomaino highlighted how Crotone is demonstrating, especially in this period, a strong propensity for solidarity, thanks to the joint work of institutions, associations, citizens and social realities of the territory.
A path that has translated into concrete initiatives, from regional and municipal projects to symbolic and profound moments, capable of putting the weakest groups, minors and families in difficulty at the centre.
«Taking care of children, preventing hardship, protecting those who are more fragile – reiterated Tomaino – is the highest and most noble form of legality that a community can exercise. This is how the future is built.”
During the demonstration, in the presence of many citizens, the ability of the territory to react with generosity and a sense of responsibility emerged forcefully. In a few hours, thanks to the sensitivity of businesses, ordinary people and CONF.IAL itself, 3,000 euros were raised, destined for the soup kitchen.
On stage, to receive the check, Don Ezio, head of the Mensa dei Poveri, expressed his thanks as follows:
«Thanks to Fabio, the National Secretary and all the members of the union for this sensitivity. The Mensa accompanies those in need every day, because charity is not just a Christmas gesture, but a daily commitment.”
The mayor of Crotone, Vincenzo Voce, thanked the union for the noble gesture of solidarity, recognizing, once again, the large group of the CONF.IAL of Crotone, with their continuous presence in the area, not only the ability to safeguard, protect, assist workers and resolve disputes, but also an activity that offers safety and care to the community.
A concrete gesture of solidarity that is part of a continuity of choices: in previous years, in fact, the initiatives have also supported the Pediatrics department of the Crotone Hospital, confirming a commitment that is not episodic but structural.
Benedetto Di Iacovo – CONF.IAL National General Secretary also spoke on stage and added:
«The future is built with charity. When you leave the least behind, you never build a healthy and civil society. Our union wants to demonstrate that helping those who have less is a daily and lasting commitment.”
The dialogue between the two secretaries highlighted a shared and central point: economic support becomes a true civil commitment when it educates, strengthens the community and creates bonds, involving children, families and citizens in a common path of responsibility and awareness.
In this perspective, CONF.IAL reiterated its desire to carry forward, with its actions, an innovative trade union approach, truly present in the workplace for the protection of workers’ rights, not at a distance but within the communities, affirming a human and social presence capable of building networks and cohesion.
But the gaze is aimed above all at tomorrow.
CONF.IAL Crotone has reiterated its commitment to promoting structured initiatives in schools, with nutritional education courses, emotional and sexual education, health monitoring and activities dedicated to emotional education.
«Teaching children to recognize their emotions, not to suffer them, to share them – explained Tomaino – means raising stronger, more aware and freer children. This is also how bullying, loneliness and fear are fought.”
The event closed with a clear and shared message: only by bringing together different responsibilities, roles and contributions is it possible to guarantee our children the most important right, that of growing up in a safe, peaceful and opportunity-rich environment.
Schools, families, social services, associations, neighborhoods: it is there that an educating community is built, capable of networking and leaving no one behind. «Crotone can make a difference – concluded Tomaino – because when a city chooses solidarity, it chooses the future».
