For 62 years, CLAI has focused on quality products and actions: "We want to continue to be a driving force for the social, economic, and environmental development of the region."
In view of the anniversary, a new stage is being celebrated in the special collaboration with Insieme a Te, the association that brings people with disabilities to the beach: a contribution towards the setting up of a fully equipped station as a sign of closeness and friendship.
Imola, March 2024 - March 20th marks CLAI's birthday. This year, it will celebrate 62 years of existence : this Romagna-based cooperative was formed in 1962, quickly embarking on a growth journey closely connected to that of its community. " When I think back on these first 62 years of history, of which I have directly experienced more than half, joining CLAI in 1991, the first word that comes to mind is 'joy.' It is a true joy to be part of this reality, a cooperative supply chain that is a driver of social, economic, and environmental development ," says Giovanni Bettini , longtime president of the Sasso Morelli agri-food company.
" 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 sort 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 use the plural. What we have always done in Romagna, for some time now, following the acquisitions of Zuarina and Faggiola in recent years, we have also been promoting in the Parma area, the birthplace of PDO prosciutto, and in the Tuscan hills, where extraordinary-tasting dairy products are made ."
The third key word recurs in the President's words. " 'Identity' . If you're not aware of your own history, your own path, and the nature of your actions, it's difficult to achieve something good and useful for others. Our identity and values are clear and defined , and allow all CLAI women and men to wake up every morning with a clear understanding of the meaning of their commitment. In this way, through the mental and emotional involvement of people, the conditions for growth and development are created in a sector that is fundamental to the local economy ."
A BIRTHDAY IS MORE BEAUTIFUL WITH YOU
And when it comes to identity, it's impossible not to emphasize a central aspect of CLAI's interpretation of its role: human sustainability , which should be implemented both inside and outside the company. One example is the special support given to Insieme a te , a wonderful volunteer association in Faenza that opened a beach resort in Punta Marina Terme six years ago, dedicated to people with moderate and severe disabilities . This helps them realize their dream of spending time on a fully equipped beach that allows them to fully enjoy the almost magical effects of the sun, the sea, and the company of so many people. Precisely in anticipation of its 2024 anniversary, CLAI wanted to make another concrete gesture for this organization, with which it has had a very close relationship for the past five years.
" For our new beach, which is taking shape and will open at the end of June, CLAI contributed by purchasing one of the 18 new stations dedicated to people with severe disabilities ," explains Debora Donati , president of Insieme a Te, now fully connected to the community of Sasso Morelli. " When I go to CLAI, I feel at home. The atmosphere is familiar and engaging. This is also thanks to the fundamental presence of President Bettini, a person who cares deeply for us. This Cooperative is always close to us and knows how to be truly present. With their support, we have already been able to create three accommodations, which we use for our guests, and furnish another ."
And this year, as anticipated by the president, there's a big new development coming : the area on the beach at Punta Marina, in the province of Ravenna, where Insieme a Te has been operating since 2018, will become even larger, better equipped, and most importantly, will no longer be "temporary," with all the inconveniences that entails. Winning a municipal tender will allow the organization created by Debora Donati to "stabilize" for twenty years, making it much easier to organize the work and various activities.
THE EXTRAORDINARY VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP
All the new stations, which will join twelve others for guests with less severe disabilities, have been given names evocative of a value : family, trust, love, faith, listening, life… The name 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 customer, an employee, a partner… We strive to value every relationship, creating human connections that lead to widespread well-being . And this is certainly also true for our friends at Insieme a Te who, guided by Debora's tireless courage, are carrying forward a truly unique experience of solidarity that is a testament to extraordinary dedication and love for others. Knowing that we can continue to be useful to such an important cause is the best way to celebrate our 62nd anniversary ."
GENERATE WELL-BEING FOR THE COMMUNITY
In Imola, there has always been a firm belief that the quality of each product must lead to a broader sense of well-being for the community . In addition to Insieme a Te, numerous initiatives have been launched over the years, such as the Food Bank , which has distributed one million meals in five years to those in need. Another example is the collaboration launched last year with the Community of Sant'Egidio to support its worthy work. Nor should we forget the long-standing partnership with ANT Italia Onlus , which supports free home healthcare for cancer patients and provides a series of preventive health checks for the cooperative's employees. Also noteworthy is the gift CLAI has decided to make to its community, donating an ambulance to the 118 Territorial Emergency Service of the Imola Local Health Authority , part of the Emergency Room and Emergency Medicine Unit.
