Wanted: AAA van. Fundraising drive to distribute aid in Rome.
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Égalité ETS (third sector organization) is promoting a fundraising campaign for the purchase of a van, necessary for the best implementation of the three projects promoted by the association Roma Open Lab APS.
The initiatives are already underway, but to broaden their reach, it is urgently necessary to purchase a large, spacious vehicle to facilitate the collection and distribution of aid.
The goal is to raise €5.000 to purchase the van and cover its expenses for a year (road tax, insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc.).
Roma Open Lab APS projects
The initiatives promoted by Roma Open Lab APS aim to reach and support those segments of the population who are particularly under pressure in these times of crisis and unable to afford food, clothing, blankets, gas cylinders, and other essential goods.
The work is concentrated in Rome, in the working-class Magliana neighborhood and surrounding areas. Anyone can contribute, according to their means, confident that they'll be adding a link to the chain of solidarity already being built by many volunteers.
In addition to donations, concrete assistance is always welcome to complete the many tasks required to run the three ongoing initiatives.
'Bring us warmth': a collection of winter clothes and blankets
The latest initiative, in chronological order, aims to anticipate the arrival of the cold with a collection of winter clothing and blankets to experience a city that warms up together.
'Bring us warmth. We don't want to see anyone freezing to death anymore. We're collecting blankets, fleeces, and warm coats.', is the invitation from Roma Open Lab APS.
The collection takes place inside the Città dell'Altra Economia, in Largo Dino Frisullo – the former Testaccio slaughterhouse, in Rome, from Sunday to Friday, 7:30 am - 12:30 pm, or in the early afternoon, but by making an appointment via the WhatsApp number: 347-690-5136 or the email [email protected].
+ BREAD – HUNGER
The second initiative is simple in its logic but powerful in its effects. + BREAD – HUNGER aims to reduce waste food and support people in fragile conditions economic and social.
The project involves collecting unsold bread and baked goods from bakeries in Rome and redistributing them free of charge to families and individuals in need.
Roma Open Lab APS coordinates a network of volunteers and businesses that make this solidarity chain possible every day. Each participating bakery helps transform a leftover into a resource, a daily gesture into an act of solidarity. To join and learn more, write to [email protected] or call President Luca Zarfati at 347 690 5136.
I Dress and Invest in Solidarity
The third ongoing initiative, which requires a van, is 'I dress and invest in solidarity', the fundraising through the sale of clothes unsold, out of season, faulty or sample items donated by companies.
The Vesto e investo solidale stall is open every Sunday in Rome, at the Città dell'Altra Economia (CAE), in the former Testaccio slaughterhouse, from 9:30 am to 14:30 pm.
Proceeds from the sale of clothing donated by businesses are transformed into tangible aid for disadvantaged people: gas cylinders, food, and clothing itself for those who cannot afford it.
A chain of solidarity
Roma Open Lab APS's projects are the result of a synergy involving many parties in various ways, including bakeries, textile companies, volunteers, and organizations such as the Social Department of PRO LOCO EPLI and UNOE (National Union of Event Organizers), the Egalitech social cooperative, Agci (General Association of Italian Cooperatives), and our own Égalité Ets.
For participate in the fundraiser to purchase the van you can donate, indicating the reason 'Furgone Roma Open Lab APS', through
– bank transfer to Banca Credit Agricole, IBAN IT75Y0623003216000041646848
– payment via PayPal by indicating the email address [email protected] or by following the link https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N5Q5HTR2E56HL.
Marta Strinati
Cover art copyright © 2025 Dario Dongo (AI-assisted creation)
