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
