ADOPT AN OLIVE TREE FROM APULIA With the scourge of the global disease called Xylella, discovered in Puglia in 2013 , and killing thousands of Olive trees and with no cure for the infection, olive producers in Puglia have had a difficult battle to save what is left of their centuries old trees. You can participate by adopting a tree. Masserie ( farm houses) in the region are offeing the opportunity to save a tree, and with your contribution they offer you a bottle or two or three of oil and in some cases the possibility to work and learn about the production of quality extra virgin olive oil. Near Ostuni- Masseria Cappuccini is just one of the many offering adoptions. https://www.masseriacappuccini.it/en/adopt-an-olive-tree/
AS WE APPROACH THE HOLIDAYS, CONSIDER ACTS OF CHARITY: A Caffe Sospeso, adoption of an Olive Tree, or donation to save Italian Monuments.
ACTS OF CHARITY
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS WILL BE A HOLIDAY SEASON LIKE NON OTHER THAT WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED.
Many are doing without, due to the pandemics effects creating all forms of the word “ loss” on families the world over. This could be the year where the act of giving becomes the greatest gift of all .
When considering philanthropic giving this year, there are many qualified institutions, food producers and artisans in Italy who need support to continue their good works.
FONDO AMBIENTE ITALIANO
Two of the more obvious and larger non profits are FAI- Fondo Ambiente Italiano, the Italian National Trust, whose mission is to safeguard and restore national treasures throughout the country. FAI has been bequeathed many unique historic properties in Italy which we travelers visit often while touring. https://www.fondoambiente.it/ . Fortunately, FAIs’ sister organization has a base in NYC, USA named “ Friends of FAI” and is a 501c3 nonprofit which acts as a conduit for US donations and redirects those funds to Italy. https://friendsoffai.org/ Donating to Friends of FAI is easy and helps to maintain a few of Italy’s numerous monuments throughout the country.
SAVE VENICE Another obvious and equally deserving non profit is Save Venice https://www.savevenice.org/. Since 1971 Save Venice has tackled grand restoration projects, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture in Venice to safeguard and restore major art works in the city. Save Venice has offices in NYC, Boston, CA and additional chapters in Denver and Chicago.
NOT ALL ACTS OF GIVING NEED TO BE GRAN, A CafFe` Sopeso for instance.
There are smaller acts that create “goodness” on the part of the giver and the part of recipient. Take the Italian tradition of Caffé Sospeso, (Italian for '"suspended coffee"'). It is simple to do. Caffe Sospeso is an act of paying for an additional cup of coffee in advance as an anonymous act of charity to offer to a person in need.
Tis the season to bring joy to others.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. ~ Joyce
