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The first meeting of the “Power of Goodness” series is behind us. Absolutely unique, joyful, full of passion and good energy. In Olivia we hosted seniors, residents of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk.

– “The Power of Goodness” is a project that was born in our minds a long time ago. Through such cyclical events, we want to show the behind-the-scenes of work in Caritas – says Marta Szulc, Secretary of the Board of Caritas in Gdańsk. “In Olivia, we have proven, which I deeply believe, that life after 60 does not have to be boring and lonely. More and more older people see new perspectives for themselves and instead of passively sitting at home, they prefer to pursue their own passions and spend time actively. We must also not forget that seniors have a lot of experience and a desire to share it with others and actively participate in public life. That is why we try to create as many such opportunities for them as possible, and thus break stereotypes –Adds.

“It is a great joy for us to be able to share what we do with the community of entrepreneurs and businessmen working at Olivia Business Centre. I am convinced that the opportunity to meet two such different “worlds” will result in an extraordinary exchange of experiences, observations, knowledge and, above all, cordial relations. Thank you for the opportunity to organize a series of Caritas meetings “The Power of Goodness” in Olivia -Said Ks. Janusz Steć, Director of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk.

The special guest of the meeting was Marek Demczuk, a photojournalist and cameraman, who talked about his experience in cooperation with Caritas. He emphasized that the most important thing for him are the bonds and relationships he has established, and that he comes out of each meeting with seniors richer in experience, knowledge and goodness.

– Remember, when we talk about relationships, we are not talking about one-sidedness. Relationships are never one-sided, and there is no situation where only one party benefits from the relationship. Someone gives, and someone just takes… Always, always, when we enter into relationships, we are gifted and we give. Everyone. I’m lucky to have been working with Caritas for years. When I meet seniors, children, employees, volunteers, I am gifted a hundred times – said Marek Demczuk.

Participants of the ” Power of Goodness” could also join the activities that regularly take place in Caritas facilities in Gdańsk, where seniors meet. In Olivia Sky Club, under the supervision of Caritas employees, both the mind and the body were exercised. There was also an artistic part. Nativity play, performed by seniors from the Day Care Home from the Caritas Center st. The Faustina Sisters in Rumia were rewarded with thunderous applause. And it must be admitted that the actors, in addition to their talent, also have an incredible distance to themselves and good humor.

There was also a sweet treat waiting for the guests of the meeting – homemade croissants with jam and delicious gingerbread, recipes for which you could take home with you, trying to match the culinary talents of the seniors, the authors of the baked goods. There were also conversations over tea and the sounds of the guitar. The event was accompanied by a photo exhibition entitled “Caritas Seniors”.

– By cooperating with the community of people gathered around Caritas in Pomerania, we want to show that it is worth being active and sensitive in various dimensions of social life. We hope that the meeting with seniors or the next one, about the talents and value of being a volunteer, will allow us to get to know each other better and contribute to a greater awareness of the importance of matters related to the need to be close to human affairs. As a partner of the meetings, we invite everyone who wants to see how organizations, such as Caritas, join in helping people on a daily basis. And how we can help too – emphasizes Monika Bogdanowicz from Olivia Business Centre.

 

There are still three meetings ahead of us in Olivia with employees, volunteers, friends and supporters of Caritas Pomerania, to which we cordially invite you today.

– We will tell you about our charges with disabilities, reveal what is happening in our day-care centers for children and tell you how to become a volunteer – adds Marta Szulc.

THANK YOU FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING
AND WE INVITE YOU TO THE NEXT ONE:)

February – a meeting about how to help people with disabilities, what talents they have and how important art is in their lives

March – Caritas community centres, help for children

April – become a volunteer, Caritas volunteering

SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE GDANSK.GOSC.PL MEETING

READ THE INTERVIEW WITH MARTA SZULC ABOUT THE FACT THAT THERE IS GOOD IN EACH OF US

The first meeting as part of “The Strength of Kindness” series is already behind us. It was absolutely unique, joyful, full of passion and good energy. In Olivia, we hosted seniors, the charges of Caritas of Gdańsk Archdiocese.

– “The Strength of Kindness” is a project, which arose in our minds a long time ago. By organising such periodic events, we want to show the behind-the-scenes work in Caritas – said Marta Szulc, the Secretary of the Management Board in Caritas in Gdańsk. – I really hope we proved in Olivia that the lives of people who are over 60 don’t have to be boring and lonely. More and more elderly people see new perspectives and instead of sitting inactively at home, they prefer to fulfil their passions and spend time actively. We can’t forget that seniors have great experience and will to share it with others, as well as to actively participate in public life. That is why, we try to create as many opportunities as possible for them and in this way overcome stereotypes – she added.

The special guest during the event was Marek Demczuk, photojournalist and operator, who told us about his experiences while cooperating with Caritas. He emphasised that bonds and established relationships have become and are the most important for him and that after every meeting with seniors he is richer with experience, knowledge and good.

– We need to remember that when we talk about relationships, we don’t talk about one-sidedness. Relationships are never one-sided, and there is no such a situation that only one person benefits from a relationship. Someone gives and someone only takes… Always, but always, when we enter any relationship, we are bestowed and we bestow. Everyone. I am lucky enough to have been cooperating with Caritas for years. When I meet seniors, children, employees and volunteers, I am bestowed hundredfold – said Marek Demczuk.

The participants of “The Strength of Kindness” had an opportunity to take part in activities, which are periodically held in the facilities of Caritas in Gdańsk, where seniors meet. In Olivia Sky Club, participants could train, under the guidance of Caritas employees, both their minds and bodies. There was also an artistic part. Nativity play prepared by seniors from Saint Faustyna Kowalska Day Care Caritas Centre in Rumia was loudly applauded. It must be admitted that actors, apart from their talents, have a great sense of humour and can distance themselves.

Sweet snacks were waiting for the guests – home-made croissants with jam and delicious gingerbreads. Participants could take recipes home and try to get closer to culinary talents of seniors who prepared these baked goods. There were also conversations with tea and guitar sounds. The event was accompanied by a photo exhibition entitled “Seniors in Caritas”.

– While cooperating with the environment of people focused around Caritas in Pomerania region, we want to show that it’s worth being active and empathetic in different dimensions of social life. We hope that the meeting with seniors or the future ones concerning talents and the value of being a volunteer will contribute to the fact that people will be more aware of the importance of issues connected with the need to be closer to social issues. As a partner of these meetings, we would like to invite everyone, who want to find out how such organisations as Caritas get engaged in helping people every day. And how we can help as well – emphasised Monika Bogdanowicz from Olivia Business Centre.

Ahead of us, there are three more meetings in Olivia with employees, volunteers, friends and well-wishers of Caritas Pomerania, to which we would like to invite you already today.

– We will talk about our disabled charges, tell a few words about what is going on in our clubhouses for children and will tell participants how they can become volunteers – added Marta Szulc.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING AND INVITE YOU TO THE FUTURE MEETINGS 🙂

February – a meeting concerning how to help disabled people, which talents they have and the importance of art in their lives

March – Caritas environmental clubhouses, helping children

April – become a volunteer, Caritas voluntary service

SEE THE GALLERY WITH PHOTOS FROM THE MEETING ON GDANSK.GOSC.PL

READ THE INTERVIEW WITH MARTA SZULC ABOUT THE FACT THAT GOOD IS IN ALL OF US

 

Olivia Business Centre begins its new investment. The eighth building of the business centre, thanks to which the developer will deliver another 25 thousand square metres of the best-quality office space to the Tri-City market is being erected. The investment is to be completed by the end of 2019. So, at this moment under construction there are simultaneously two technologically advanced A class office buildings: building number seven, with 28 thousand metres square of space, and building number eight. The office market will grow by more than 50 square metres in total.

At the turn of the second and third quarter of 2018, the seventh building in Olivia Business Centre with 28 thousand square metres of space will be put into service. Both office buildings, currently under construction, will be connected with each other, so that the investors will get office space amounting to nearly 4 thousand square metres on one floor at their disposal. Olivia Business Centre is one of the most interesting, multi-functional office investments in Poland.

Olivia Eight:

• Planned delivery: 2019
• Height: 55 metres
• Number of floors above the ground level: 15
• Number of underground floors (car parks): 3
• Area for rent: 25 thousand m2

^{Olivia Business Centre is one of the most interesting, multi-functional office investments in Poland. Located in the geographic centre of the Tri-City, close to the university campus, Olivia has been developing rapidly since 2010. More than 200 firms have their seats there, e.g. Alior Bank, Allianz, Amazon, Arrow Electronics, Bayer, Energa, Noble Bank, PKO BP, PwC, Ricoh, Sii, ThyssenKrupp. Olivia Business Centre guarantees optimum operating and development conditions to the tenants. Understanding that the success of an enterprise depends on varied factors, it guarantees, in addition to the best-quality of office space, also the access to specialized HR, IT, finance and consulting, legal or marketing firms present in the centre. Some of the facilities at the disposal of tenants include: 3 conference centres, a medical centre with a pharmacy, CityFit fitness studio, junior high school, kindergarten and a day care, a beauty salon, a notary and an electric car charging point. Olivia actively supports the local community and also implements numerous projects promoting the development and integration of employees of the complex. Over 500 business, educational, cultural and sports events per year take place at Olivia Business Centre.}

Olivia Business Centre is starting another investment. The eighth building of the business centre is under construction, thanks to which the developer will deliver another 25,000 sqm to the Tri-City market. office space of the highest quality. The investment is to be completed by the end of 2019. Therefore, two technologically advanced A-class office buildings are currently under construction at the same time – seven buildings, with an area of 28 thousand sq. m. and eight. A total of over 50,000 will be delivered to the office market. sq.m.

The seventh office building of Olivia Business Centre, with 28 thousand sq. m. It is to be commissioned at the turn of the second and third quarter of 2018. Both buildings, which are currently under construction, will be connected with each other, so investors will have at their disposal office space reaching nearly 4,000 sq m on one floor. Olivia Business Centre is currently one of the most dynamically developing business centres in Poland.

Olivia eight:

• Planned commissioning: 2019
• Height: 55 meters
• Number of above-ground storeys: 15
• Number of underground storeys (car parks): 3
• Available space: 25 thousand m2

 

^{About Olivia Business Centre, one of the most interesting multifunctional office projects in Poland. Olivia, located in the geographical centre of the Tri-City, in close proximity to the university campus, has been developing dynamically since 2010. Nearly 200 companies have their address here, m.in. Alior Bank, Allianz, Amazon, Arrow Electronics, Bayer, Energa, Noble Bank, PKO BP, PwC, Ricoh, Sii, ThyssenKrupp. Olivia provides tenants with optimal conditions for functioning and development. Understanding that the success of a company is determined by various factors, it guarantees them – in addition to the highest quality office space – access to specialized HR, IT, financial, consulting, legal and marketing companies present in the center. Tenants also have m.in at their disposal. 3 conference centres, a medical centre with a pharmacy, a CityFit fitness studio, a gymnasium, a kindergarten, a nursery, a beauty salon, a notary public and an electric car charging point. Olivia actively supports the local community and implements numerous projects aimed at the development and integration of the complex’s employees. Business, educational, cultural and sporting events are regularly held here. There are more than 500 of them every year.}

The 2^nd Metropolitan Debate in Olivia is still ahead of us. Together with “Dziennik Bałtycki” – the organiser of the event and contents partner of the project, Strefa Metropolitalny Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Association, we are discussing on how to build a strong metropolis, which will serve the residents of our region well. In Olivia Business Centre, throughout the entire half of 2018, the representatives of local governments, colleges, cultural and art institutions, entrepreneurs and politicians will be meeting and dealing with the issues, which are the most important for our agglomeration.

The first debate in Olivia Business Centre’s headquarters was held on January 22. The meeting, during which there was a debate between the representatives of the government, members of parliament and local governments (for example mayors of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot), ended with signing an important declaration by the participants. “We, the participants of metropolitan debate organised by the editors of “Dziennik Bałtycki” in Olivia Business Centre, as well as the representatives of communes and districts associated in Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area, support the idea of creating a metropolitan union in the Pomeranian Voivodeship” – this is the first sentence of the declaration. Read more…

Already on March 2 in Olivia, there will be held a conversation about mobility. First of all, the metropolis is a hope for the residents of the whole region for the improvement of transport. We want to commute easier within Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, as well as between the “core” of the metropolis and neighbouring cities and communes. That is why, we will be talking about collective transport, including unified tickets. During the meeting, we will also discuss such issues as the development of Fast City Rail and Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway. Interlocutors will also be looking for modern solutions – in the agenda, there is also a place for the debate on a metropolitan bike. Politicians from local governments and experts will participate in the debate called “Metropolis and mobility”. The meeting will begin on Friday, March 2 at 3:00 pm. You will have a chance to keep track of the event on the Facebook profile of “Dziennik Bałtycki”.

If you want to participate in the 2^nd Metropolitan Debate in Olivia, register using the form, which is available on the website of “Dziennik Bałtycki”. Let us know, which issues connected with the metropolitan area are interesting for you. You will receive the confirmation of possibility to participate in the debate electronically. The number of seats is limited. The applications will be handled on a first come, first served basis.

Visit the website dedicated to Metropolitan Debates in Olivia

Let us know that you are interested in participation

 

We talk to Marta Szulc from the Gdańsk branch of Caritas about the power of good that comes from contact with people who have passion and energy to act, about breaking the stereotypical view of seniors and why it is worth taking part in events presenting the behind-the-scenes work of one of the oldest charity organizations in Poland.

Monika Bogdanowicz (Communication Olivia Business Centre): Is good a scarce value today? What is your experience of working with different groups of people in need of help and those who provide this help?

Marta Szulc (Secretary of the Board of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk): The good, we are convinced, is in each of us. So as many people as there is GOOD. The enormity of issues, living and social spaces that Caritas in Gdańsk deals with often gives us the impression that there is not too much good around us. Children who don’t have lunch at school or socks without holes; Residents of our day-care centers, seniors who seek help in our facilities to get rid of the feeling of loneliness, or homeless and hungry people. It would seem that they have not met enough good people on their way, since they are looking for help from us. But it is enough to come for a moment to any Caritas facility, we will very quickly realize that these are places where there is goodness and in abundance. This goodness, I would like to emphasize, is in each of us: in our mentee, employee, volunteer. In me and in you. You just have to find a way to get them out sometimes.

MB: What does it take to be a good person in the modern world?

Mfa: I wouldn’t limit being good to time or place. Being good is always needed. What characterizes the modern world is a huge rush for… Well, we don’t know exactly what he is for. However, what I know for sure is that every situation when I can stop for a moment and do something good gives me great joy. And that’s true for everyone. I encourage you to give it a try today. What can you do? To smile at the conductor on the train, to say good morning to your neighbour… Let’s start small.

^{Fig. Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk}

MB: How do you build active communities of people who want to share their time, experience or passion with others?

Mfa: The most difficult thing is to break certain stereotypes, prejudices, attitudes. I’ve been working in Caritas in Gdańsk for over 13 years and I’ve learned to start with a meeting. Do you want to devote your time and passion to seniors? I invite you to one of our facilities. Stay with us for a while, let’s get to know each other. You will quickly realize that not only do you have something to share, but also seniors have a lot of experience and passions that they are happy to share. It is important to be and act together.

MB: You are starting a series of meetings that will be organized in the Olivia Business Centre. Where did the idea for such meetings come from and what goals do you set for yourself with this formula?

Mfa: The idea had been maturing for a few years, maybe two. I’ll pick up on what I said earlier, we’d love to meet the people who work in this space. To be together for a while, to spend time together. Goals: to get to know each other better, to share the best of ourselves. I do not hide the fact that we would also like to provide our employees with information that they may be able to use themselves one day, e.g. who can benefit from our help, how they can join us, e.g. as a volunteer.

We would like to show that Caritas in Gdańsk has over 300 employees, over 20 facilities, including the Hospice House, which is currently preparing a charity ball, to which we invite you, is m.in. Single Mother’s Home, several day-care centers, Occupational Therapy Workshops, branches of the Care and Treatment Centre, Caritas Circle School, A soup kitchen for the homeless, community nurses, a Social Welfare Home, a day care home, a Day Care Home for the Elderly…

We would really like to show the backstage of “Caritas”, share the good that is happening in our country, maybe help those who have not found it yet?

MB: Who are the meetings addressed to and what can we expect during them?

MSz: The meeting is addressed to those who work in Olivia’s space. We also invite our pupils and co-workers to take part in them. During them, we would like to show in an interesting way what is happening in our facilities. On Tuesday, January 23rd, we will have a meeting with seniors – it will be really interesting. Personally, I’m looking forward to the “brain gymnastics” classes – a small sample of the classes we carry out for seniors. I’m also looking forward to the photo exhibition. I’ll just say this, our ladies appear on the covers of the catalogues of a very famous Swedish company. It’s really impressive. The first meeting of the series will be dedicated to active, passionate seniors. Since this is our first meeting, I must admit that we, as organizers, feel a certain stage fright.

Our seniors will participate in the meeting and share their best. With your passions, talents, experiences. From talking to Krysia, I know that they can’t wait. We want to show that old age can be beautiful , as evidenced by the photos of our seniors, which were taken during a professional photo session, joyful – which will resonate when singing together, active – this will prove to us m.in. Mr. Kacper, our physiotherapist working with seniors and creative – which will be encouraged by the actors 70+ who prepared the Nativity play. And above all, we want to talk about the fact that old age is also GOOD.

^{Fig. Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk}

MB: How do you manage to activate the potential of these people and what was the biggest surprise you had as part of projects dedicated to seniors?

MSz: Every work with a human being requires… meetings with the latter. I know, I’m repeating myself… Listening to his life story. And then you have to reject schemes, prejudices and make your dreams come true… One of such dreams came true when, while carrying out a photography project with seniors, one of the seniors said in a facility located in the Lower Town: “We have such beautiful pictures – we have to show them to others.” Another added: “We have a gallery in the district – let’s make an exhibition.” At first, I was speechless. But rejecting what limits us, I said, why not? A few weeks later, our seniors had an exhibition at the Laznia Gallery of Contemporary Art in Gdańsk in the Lower Town. The vernissage was a magical time of a dream come true. Wishing you many fulfilled dreams, I invite you once again to a joint meeting!

M.B.: I wish you many good moments and meetings with people who are willing to devote their time and give new, good energy to Caritas.

We invite you to a meeting with seniors in Olivia

–/–

^{Marta Szulc. Professionally: Secretary of the Board of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdańsk (for less than 1.5 years). Previously, the head of Caritas facilities in Gdańsk, among others. Senior Day Home, “Dobra” Day Care Centre, Volunteer Coordinator. She has been working for Caritas in Gdańsk for over 13 years. Education: pedagogue, psychologist. Privately: happy wife of Michał and mother of Antek and Marysia. Passions: gardening with plants, good coffee and chocolate in all its forms.}

–/–

^{Caritas Poland is a charitable institution of the Polish Episcopal Conference. It was reactivated on October 10, 1990. It refers to the tradition of charitable work of Caritas from before 1950. It operates on the basis of the Act of 17 May 1989. on the relationship between the State and the Catholic Church. Since 2004, it has had the status of a public benefit organization (KRS 0000198645). Caritas Poland coordinates the work of 44 diocesan and archdiocesan Caritas in Poland, supporting them in the performance of their tasks. In addition, Caritas Poland plays a representative role (acting on behalf of Caritas in Poland at the national and international level), formation and information (conducting trainings, symposia, recognizing the areas and scale of poverty in Poland), operational (initiating nationwide fundraising for Polish and abroad, organizing humanitarian transports, providing immediate and long-term, material, psychological, legal and financial assistance to the unemployed, the homeless, the sick, the elderly, children with disabilities. poor families, as well as immigrants and refugees).}

^{The beginnings of Caritas’ activity in Poland were mainly the distribution of material gifts received from abroad (martial law). However, she quickly changed her strategy and started providing charitable aid thanks to funds obtained from people of good will and institutions. Caritas has established professional care and educational facilities: Caritas Care Stations, rehabilitation centers, nursing and care facilities, nursing homes, occupational therapy workshops, Single Mothers’ Homes, soup kitchens for the poor, day-care centers for children and the elderly, etc. In the international arena, he cooperates with the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” and is a member of Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Europa.}

^{http://caritas.pl/}

Today, on the 22nd^{of January} , in Olivia Business Centre there was held the first debate on our metropolis. The following guests took part in the meeting: Paweł Chorąży – Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Development, Kazimierz Kleina – senator (Civic Platform); Marcin Horała – deputy to the Sejm (Law and Justice); Paweł Adamowicz – Mayor of Gdańsk; Wojciech Szczurek – Mayor of Gdynia; Jacek Karnowski – Mayor of Sopot; Zbigniew Canowiecki – chairman of Employers of Pomerania, as well as Patryk Demski – mayor of Pelplin.

The debate was opened by: Maciej Grabski , CEO in Olivia Business Centre and Mariusz Szmidka, editor-in-chief of Dziennik Bałtycki.

See the full record of the debate

It’s not something new that in Olivia we always try to talk about important things: for our city, agglomeration, region. We want to be the place of solid and open discussions on important subjects resulting in conclusions, which can be used in real actions, beneficial for all residents of Pomerania region. This time, together with “Dziennik Bałtycki”; the organiser of “Metropolitan debates in Olivia” and contents partner of the project, Strefa Metropolitalny Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot association, we decided to initiate a discussion on how to build a strong metropolis. Through the entire half of the year, we will be inviting to Olivia Sky Club the representatives of local governments, colleges, cultural and art institutions, entrepreneurs and politicians and will be dealing with the issues, which are the most important for the residents of our agglomeration.

Panellists of the first meeting talked, among other things, about how to create metropolitan area in Pomerania region and what we can do thanks to cooperation. They were wondering, whether the development of metropolis in Poland requires special legal acts, whether creating metropolis will solve our everyday problems and which tasks the future metropolis should fulfil. How can residents benefit from it? What are the opportunities and threats associated with creating metropolis?

The debate ended with signing the “Declaration on creating metropolitan union in Pomeranian Voivodship” by the participants of the meeting and representatives of boroughs and counties of Pomeranian Voivodship.

Visit the website dedicated to Metropolitan Debates in Olivia