Persons of the Month: The People Behind The Solidarity Market 

The Solidarity Market, organized by the Office for Family, Women, Youth and Social Promotion, Department of Local Community Services of the Municipality of Bolzano Bozen, takes place this year from November 27 to December 23. The aim of this special market is to raise awareness among citizens and international guests on issues of solidarity and to promote and support the city’s non-profit associations. The wooden houses (around twenty) may offer only typical and traditional Christmas items, as well as handcrafted products made directly by the members or beneficiaries of the organization requesting the space.

The participating associations are involved in projects such as prevention and rehabilitation for cancer patients, support for a kindergarten for disadvantaged and disabled children in Romania, healthcare and dental assistance in Kathmandu, humanitarian projects in Africa, support for autistic youth, assistance for migrants and homeless people, prevention and information on addictions, social poverty, solidarity, and more.

We give voice to the protagonists of these initiatives through a brief interview.

Luciano Guariento from the Julè and Namastè Association. What does participating in the Solidarity Market mean to you?

Being given the opportunity to present ourselves to citizens and international guests and to make our activities known is extremely valuable for us. And I won’t hide the fact that the financial contribution is also very important. I must say that the experience we have had over the last three years has been wonderful, incredible, and unexpected at the same time. People get to know us through the small objects and images we display, and the level of interest is very high. Many stop to ask questions, to learn more, and many of them share stories and solidarity initiatives they have been carrying out quietly for years. Our motto is "building bridges", and through the market we have created a network with wonderful people, which in some cases has even led to very positive developments. Our goal is to help people understand that an item purchased from us has a double value: for the person receiving it as a gift, and for the person who benefits from that purchase. What may seem like a small expense here has a much greater impact elsewhere in the world.

Francesca Baldini from the Association “Incontriamoci APS” (intellectual disabilities and autism).

Participating in the Solidarity Market, beyond self-funding, gives our youth the chance to challenge themselves, to socialize with the community and with people outside their daily environment. It is indeed they who directly manage the booth -although with our support- and this means a great deal. They show themselves and others that they are able to sell the objects they make, interact with people, and in doing so, break down stereotypes. It is an incredible opportunity for them to socialize and overcome the difficulties of approaching strangers, and the results are amazing: last year they even went around interviewing tourists and later gave them ratings.
In order to create the items to be sold, they also tested and improved their manual skills, thanks to our fantastic group of grandmothers who patiently teach them how to sew and prepare the gift items displayed at the stalls.

It is important to underline that all proceeds from the sale of products must be used exclusively for the self-funding of the associations themselves and to cover the costs related to the implementation of humanitarian and social projects.

Image: left Luciano Guariento, right Francesca Baldini, Courtesy Luciano Guariento and Francesca Baldini