Giffone, 21 November 2015. Charitable program “Solidarity Week – The Hunger of our Neighbour”, launched by the Delegation of Calabria in aid of low-income individuals facing economic distress in the region, saw its debut in the pleasant village of Giffone, a small community in the province of Reggio Calabria, nestled between the Massif of the Aspromonte and the Calabrian Serre. The project was made possible by a significant donation of basic food staples from Esselunga S.p.A., one the major Italian retailers in the supply chain business and was the brainchild of our Grand Prefect, HE The Ambassador Augusto Ruffo di Calabria dei Principi di Scilla whose great sensitivity towards what happens to be the poorest region in Italy gave the project huge momentum. Shortly after the food consignment had been delivered by parish volunteers, the highly symbolic act of donation was further highlighted by celebrating Holy Mass in the ‘Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso’, which turned out to be full to capacity for the occasion. Attending the ceremony were the Vice Delegate, Aurelio Badolati, Commander of Merit with Star, the Knights of Merit Rocco Gatto, Pasqualino Garrisi and the leader of the Benefactors of the Delegation, Roberto Bendini, along with top state and military officials. The religious service, which was concelebrated by Don Elia Longo and the rector of the church, Don Salvatore Tucci, saw the parish priest acknowledge his debt of gratitude to the Order for their help. At one point during his speech, the prelate turned to the 18th century wooden effigy of the ‘Madonna del Soccorso’ to address the following words: “the Virgin Mary has come to the rescue of the many parishioners currently experiencing great trials by having us blessed with this remarkably generous donation.”
Next up on our charity tour is San Ferdinando (RC).
