Environmental volunteers wanted

by Eleonora Anello

An opportunity to meet young people from all around the world to reflect on the human condition, to effectively improve the relationship between people and nations, to help our planet and to deepen your own knowledge about communication. With these aims, the association Emmaus, 14 groups in Italy, 300 in the world, in collaboration with the Municipality of Turin and NGO Gruppo Abele, is organizing from July 10th to September 4th, an international campus which will be merged virtuous volunteering and environment.

The Emmaus International Camp will be held in the chief town of Piedmont, in 4 shifts of 14 days each, in which the main activity will involve the collection, sorting and selling of used material. The profits will be totally devoted to the implementation of initiatives of solidarity with the weakest and most marginalized of society. Part of the proceeds will go to victims of trafficking and prostitution, while others will serve to open new communities for hosting people in difficulty, in Italy and also in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

In addition, there are moments of reflection on current issues such as immigration, peace, law, memory, life styles, the hospitality and the solidarity.

It is expected the participation of about 800 young volunteers who will be offered accommodation, meals, t-shirt and badge in order to operate. Among the notables, at the time have already offered to assist the project Don Luigi Ciotti and Luca Mercalli, dealing respectively about legality and lifestyles. There will be concerts and shows too.

«It must, in this historical period, recover the Community dimension of humanity, bringing cultures and peoples to build a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations from one end of the world - the organizers explain- the basis of this common sense depends upon the acceptance of others and acceptance of common rules of coexistence based not on prejudice but on respect for all and the common good. It’s necessary to understand the reality from the facts and from the knowledge of the situation and the involved players in order to not risk a simplistic and demagogic approach fuelled by the media increasingly bent to partisan interests».

For those who wished to participate, individuals or groups, all information are available online at www.emmaustorino2011.net. Just choose a period of participationand and you have a round of legal age.

You can promote the initiative through word of mouth or donate material which is no longer used, like furniture, clothing, paintings, lamps, frames, bicycles, books, appliances, dishes, glasses, dishes, short items of all kinds and in good condition.

You will finally play your part in the joint market (from July 23 to September 3, 2011, Padiglione 3 of Torino Esposizioni) and the "Grandissimo Mercatino Finale " scheduled for September 10 and 11, which will be put on sale material Emmaus European community that will be participate at the event.