Fundraising by Chiara Comai

Hi, as you may know, a few days ago was my 26th birthday; to mark the occasion, I’d like to support this project in Greece, not far from Italy.

Almost a year and a half ago, I spent three months as a volunteer with Operazione Colomba, the Nonviolent Peace Corps of the Pope John XXIII Community.

I made this choice because I wanted to see with my own eyes what people who are trying to reach Europe encounter.

I saw women, men, and children of all ages who, after a long journey undertaken with courage, must come to terms with a great dream shattered by policies that do not respect human rights.

I saw the anger and sadness they feel when they find themselves in a land that does not want them and does not know the meaning of the word“welcome.”

However, I was able to put into practice a genuine, dignified, and respectful welcome: when we went to the port to meet Munir, whom we welcomed the moment he first arrived in Athens from one of the islands; or during the many dinners at Casa Colomba with Youssef or John, trying to create pleasant moments of togetherness and lightheartedness, interspersed with stories of personal experiences.

If you’d like to contribute as well, please join me in supporting this project and the work of the volunteers with Operazione Colomba in Greece.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!