Reggio Emilia, Italy – Pallacanestro Reggiana, a professional basketball team competing in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A, continues to expand its community outreach through the “We CaRe” project, recently partnering with GranTerre, the Parmareggio brand, and Caritas Dicesana. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration with charitable organizations and non-profits in the Reggio Emilia region.
Launched in September 2023, “We CaRe” serves as a platform for Pallacanestro Reggiana to build a structured network supporting local initiatives addressing important social issues. The project leverages the strong sense of community within the province to highlight the operate of various organizations. This latest collaboration focuses on supporting Caritas Dicesana, a local branch of the Catholic Church’s charitable organization.
The partnership was highlighted during a recent UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia home game on November 12, 2023, against Bertram Derthona Tortona. As part of the “We CaRe” project, the team dedicated the match to raising awareness and support for Caritas Reggio Emilia and Guastalla. Fans attending the game had the opportunity to learn more about Caritas’s work and contribute to their efforts through a donation booth set up in the foyer of the PalaBigi arena.
Caritas Dicesana provides crucial support to individuals and families facing hardship, operating centers for listening, soup kitchens, shelters, and various other projects. The organization not only addresses immediate needs but also works to foster a more inclusive and supportive society. The collaboration with Pallacanestro Reggiana aims to amplify this message and encourage greater community involvement.
Beyond the game-day fundraising efforts, players from Pallacanestro Reggiana’s youth teams volunteered their time at a Caritas Reggio Emilia soup kitchen on November 24th, the feast day of the region’s patron saint. This hands-on experience provided the young athletes with a direct understanding of the challenges faced by those in need and served as an educational example for the next generation. The team’s involvement underscores a commitment to social responsibility that extends beyond the basketball court.
Grissin Bon, a local company with a long-standing relationship with Pallacanestro Reggiana, served as the match sponsor for the event and is also a supporter of Caritas Reggio Emilia. The company distributed its snacks to spectators at the PalaBigi, further demonstrating a shared commitment to community support. This multi-faceted approach, involving the basketball team, a local brand, and a charitable organization, highlights the power of collaboration in addressing social needs.
The “We CaRe” project represents a growing trend in professional sports, where teams are increasingly recognizing their role as community leaders and actively engaging in philanthropic initiatives. For Pallacanestro Reggiana, this partnership with Caritas Dicesana is a tangible expression of their dedication to making a positive impact in the Reggio Emilia region. It’s a model that other sports organizations may look to as they seek to strengthen their ties with local communities and address pressing social issues.
Pallacanestro Reggiana will continue its Lega Basket Serie A season with their next home game on May 5th against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Fans interested in learning more about the “We CaRe” project and supporting Caritas Reggio Emilia can visit the team’s website or the Caritas Reggio Emilia website for further information.
Archysport’s Daniel Richardson contributed to this report.
