Let me tell you my story…
I am the Olivia Centre and Friends Christmas card. Yes, I admit, I am one of a kind. The idea of me was already born in the autumn. Not too early, not too late. Just in time for me to be created with care, tenderness, concern for those who will receive me and for those who have influenced my form…
As you know, Christmas is not about me, and certainly not about presents, although the children would probably disagree with me. It is about being together, thinking of others, those closest to us and those a little further away, and caring for the stray wanderer who might knock on our door on Christmas Eve. After all, we don’t leave an additional tableware for nothing…
And Christmas begins with the Christmas tree…
At Olivia, as in many homes, Christmas began with a Christmas tree. Mine was adorned with extraordinary trees, as they were decorated by the Friends of our centre. All the decorations were created thanks to the talent and work (oh yes, they were patiently and with great care cut out, painted, carved, glued, drawn and even burned) of the Charges of the: Sprawni Inaczej Foundation; Association for People with Parkinson’s Disease and Degenerative Brain Diseases and ParkOn Carers; ZeroBAN Social Cooperative.
When the Christmas balls, birds, angels, Santas, bows and ribbons were ready, everyone sat down at the big table in Olivia to decorate the symbolic Christmas spruce trees. Then, a talented elf transferred them into a graphics programme so that they could surround the Christmas manger… So, I can boldly say that my Christmas trees are dressed like no other. In closeness. Together. Exactly as Christmas should be…
I hope that when you receive me, whether in the traditional or e-version, I will be able to amaze and touch you, reminding everyone that the most beautiful Christmas is coming, that special time when we feel most strongly that, after all, being together is the most precious thing…
I remain for you as I am, carrying the good news
and wishes for a wonderful Christmas full of love and joy.
~ Your Christmas Card from Olivia and Friends
Together at Christmas…
On Christmas Eve in our homes, we gather with our loved ones around the Christmas tree, waiting for the first star… And at Olivia it is not any different. First, we made Christmas tree ornaments, then we decorated Olivia’s Christmas tree together. It was the centrepiece of the Christmas Charity Variety Fair and the Olivia Choir Concert with the most beautiful Christmas carols… We came together sharing joy, hope and the belief that the coming Christmas will bring only the best. Read more…
Thus, during this Christmas time, but also every day after, let us be kind to each other, care for each other, think of each other with tenderness, careness and attentiveness. We invite you, meet our Friends and be willing to share the goodness…
Meet our Friends
Sprawni Inaczej Foundation
It is an open and socially committed team dedicated to people with disabilities and their environment. The Foundation’s aim is to maximise the independence of its charges and to support their families. “Through rehabilitation and therapy, we discover and develop the capacities of our charges enabling them to work purposefully and usefully. Our actions are driven by respect, solidarity and responsibility”.
Association for People with Parkinson’s Disease and Degenerative Brain Diseases and ParkOn Carers
The association provides activities for people with degenerative brain diseases and their carers. ParkOn’s areas of activity include health protection and promotion, social care and support, increasing access to treatment, and activating patients and their carers to include them in society. “We are convinced that a holistic approach to rehabilitation is the most appropriate course of action.” – say representatives of the Association.
ZeroBAN Social Cooperative
The Zeroban Social Cooperative is a social enterprise that combines activities for the professional and social integration of people at risk of exclusion with practical activities and education for the environment and sustainable development. “We are a social economy entity, meaning that we run a type of business that focuses on helping people and communities rather than just making money. The aim of social economy companies and organisations is primarily to create the common good – helping disadvantaged people, caring for the environment, supporting local communities.”
Merry Christmas!
