For 62 years, CLAI has been focusing on goodness of product and action: "We want to continue to be a driver of social, economic and environmental development in the area."
Ahead of the anniversary, a new stage in the special collaboration with Together with You, the association that brings people with disabilities to the beach, is celebrated: a contribution to set up a super-equipped station as a sign of closeness and friendship
Imola, March 2024 - March 20 is CLAI's birthday. This year the candles will be 62: in fact, it was in 1962 that this Romagna Cooperative took shape and would quickly begin a path of growth closely linked to that of its community of reference. "When I think of these first 62 years of history, of which I have directly experienced more than half by joining CLAI in 1991, the first word that comes to mind is 'joy.' It is a real joy to be part of this reality, a cooperative chain that is an engine of social, economic and environmental development," says Giovanni Bettini, historic president of the Sasso Morelli agribusiness reality.
"The second word, however, is undoubtedly 'bond,'" the president continues. "Like the very close bond created and strengthened over time with the territory. We live in a kind of ecosystem in which everyone understands how crucial it is to do their part: every little detail contributes to keeping everything in balance. I said "territory," in the singular, but it would be more correct to speak in the plural.What we have always done in Romagna, for some time now, after the acquisitions in recent years of Zuarina and Faggiola, we have also been promoting in the Parma area, the cradle of dop prosciutto, and in the Tuscan highlands, where dairy products of extraordinary flavor are made."
The third key word is recurring in the president's words. ""Identity". If one is not aware of one's history, one's path and the nature of one's actions, it is difficult to accomplish anything good and useful for others. Our value identity is clear and defined, enabling all CLAI women and men to get up each morning with the meaning of their commitment firmly in mind.In this way, through the mental and emotional involvement of people, we create the conditions for growth and development in a sector that is fundamental to the area's economy."
BIRTHDAY IS BETTER "TOGETHER WITH YOU"
And if we talk about identity, we cannot help but emphasize a central aspect in CLAI's interpretation of its role, that of human sustainability, to be declined both inside and outside the company. One example concerns the special support dedicated to Insieme a te, a wonderful voluntary association in Faenza that has opened a bathing establishment in Punta Marina Terme for the past six years dedicated to people with medium and severe disabilities, helping them to realize their dream of spending time on a super-equipped beach that allows them to fully enjoy the almost magical effects of sun, sea and the company of so many people. Just in view of the 2024 birthday, CLAI wanted to make one more concrete gesture for this reality with which there has been a very close relationship for five years now.
"For our new beach, which is taking shape and will open at the end of June, CLAI contributed the purchase of one of 18 new stations dedicated to severe disabilities," explains Debora Donati, president of Insieme a Te, now fully connected with the reality of Sasso Morelli. "When I go to CLAI, I feel at home. The atmosphere there is familiar, engaging. Thanks also to the fundamental presence of President Bettini, a person who is very attentive to us. This Cooperative is always close to us and knows how to be really present. With their support we have already been able to bring to life three lodgings, which we use for our guests, and furnish another one."
And this year, as anticipated by the president, there is a big news coming: the area on the beach of Punta Marina, in the province of Ravenna, where from 2018 Insieme a Te carries out its activities, will become even bigger, better equipped and, above all, it will no longer be "temporary," with all the consequent inconveniences. The awarding of a municipal tender will allow the reality created by Debora Donati to "stabilize" for twenty years, making it much easier to organize the work and different activities.
THE EXTRAORDINARY VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP
All the new stations, which will be added to twelve others for guests with less severe disabilities, have been given a name evocative of a value: family, trust, love, faith, listening, life... The one chosen by CLAI could only focus on friendship. "Another fundamental word for us, " concludes President Bettini . "Every person who comes into contact with our world can never be considered simply a client, an employee, a partner... We try to give value to every relationship, creating human connections that lead to widespread forms of well-being. And this is undoubtedly also happening with the friends of Insieme a Te who, led by Debora's tireless courage, are carrying on a truly unique solidarity experience that is a testimony to extraordinary dedication and love for others. Knowing that we can continue to be of service to such an important cause is the best way to celebrate our 62nd birthday."
GENERATE WELL-BEING FOR THE COMMUNITY
Thus, there has always existed in Imola the firm belief that the goodness of every product must be matched by a generation of more general well-being for the community. In addition to the one with Insieme a Te, there are now numerous experiences to which it has been given life over time; such as, for example, the one with Banco Alimentare, thanks to which one million meals have been distributed in five years to people in need. Or the collaboration born last year with the Community of Sant'Egidio to support its meritorious activity; not forgetting the one carried out with ANT Italia Onlus, which has been going on for some time instead, to support the activity of free home health care to cancer patients and provide a series of visits aimed at prevention for the employees of the same Cooperative. Also worth mentioning is the gift that CLAI decided to make to its community, donating an ambulance to the 118 Territorial Emergency Service of the Imola Ausl, integrated into the UOC of First Aid and Emergency Medicine.
