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