2020 is coming to a close and we find ourselves reflecting on a year that was special in many ways. Most of us learned the extended meaning of #stayhome and #socialdistancing. Through this, we realized more than ever, that there is no substitute for being together in a physical space.
Especially during Christmas time, which usually is a time of gatherings with friends or family. Since a couple of years now we initiate the beginning of Advent with the installation of a star on the hook of the M3-crane. Not only does it point the way to the best viewpoint in the city, but it is also our star of hope.
This year the star was noticed by St. Nicholas, who, drawn by its majesty, became curious in the place and decided to visit it and spread some of his magic around. See below how his visit to the Imperial Shipyard looked like and to which organizations, indicated by our community members, he delivered the donations in the amount of 5.000 PLN from us and our partner Svoboda.
Two years in a row, just before Christmas, we were able to get together in the beautiful Hardening Workshop, which now is the home of CUMY MakerSpace. Together with the Socially Safe Foundation (Fundacja Społecznie Bezpieczni) and incredible partners, we invited people in need to join our Christmas Eve table. It was a full house with guests enjoying their food and lively conversations.
Unfortunately, the current epidemiological situation forced us to reconsider this nice formula.. but still, we found a way to reach out to our fellow citizens with a helping hand.
Together with the Socially Safe Foundation, we prepared 50 care packages, which include very practical items like thermoses, gloves, hats, scarves, and lots of hygiene articles like toothbrushes, paste, wet wipes, disinfection liquid, single-use gloves, and facemasks. Besides the practical items, we didn’t forget about Christmas accents like chocolates, tangerines, nuts and a Christmas card expressing our hope for their wellbeing.
The care packages were distributed to the participants of the “housing first” project, people using the SOS bus and by streetworkers of the St. Albers Foundation, who delivered the packages directly to the people in need. The care packages were packed by the employees of the M3 crane. Despite the epidemiological situation, the number of visitors to our special observation deck doubled this year.
All income from the sale of tickets is allocated to the statutory activities of the Socially Safe Foundation. This year, the President of the Foundation, Dominik Kwiatkowski, decided to give us the possibility to indicate the purpose for which these funds will be allocated. So we did with great pleasure choose two causes. 2.500 PLN will go to the “I have a dream” Foundation in Gdańsk and with the remaining 2.500 PLN we funded Christmas packages for former shipyard workers in order to show our help, gratitude, and support. We would also like to thank MiiMove carsharing for providing us with the sleds to deliver the packages.
Hoping you, your families and loved ones are staying safe, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a healthy 2021. We look forward to writing more exciting #newstories with you.
