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What They Say About Us

Testimonials from those who knew us

ANNARITA B.

I have been a volunteer for Asociatia Il Giocattolo for a few years and if I don't go there for a while I miss it. Every time for me it's like taking a breath of fresh air; it has become a second home.
Seeing the children happy, taken by the activities proposed, knowing the personal situations they carry with them, and therefore understanding how important those simple moments are, is truly magical. It's as if a seed is being planted in them, that of hope. And in me it triggers, every time, a mix of emotions and sensations that are difficult to express in words, but which leave a mark on my heart.
This beneficial "virus", which I was immediately struck by, keeps my most human side awake every time, and I can't do without it anymore.

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ELISABETTA C.

Saying thank you is too reductive for all that you have given us in these days, unforgettable moments, ... I learned what it means to help and donate (not just charity); because each person has given us something in return: even just hearing "good and long life" makes you feel good; I learned what humility and waste are, today I went shopping and bought the necessary. But the most important thing is having been in the company of beautiful people who have enriched my soul and filled me with joy every day. It is a great surprise to find a corner of paradise in Bradet, a beautiful and clean school, located in the middle of the greenery with large colorful classrooms that bring joy: local people who welcome you in an amazing way. This is what you have been able to transform.

FEDERICO

An experience that I will hardly forget. It taught me that to find love and acceptance, you just have to look more carefully. Despite the conditions in which some live, the energy and joy that the inhabitants and children of Bradet transmit is incredible. They are the ones who teach us what is truly important, and the association Il Giocattolo does everything to allow the inhabitants of the area to improve their living conditions and dignity. The new school is just one example of the commitment invested in this mission.

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ALBERTO C.

An experience, an emotion, a hope.
The children of Bradet who run towards Gianluca when he arrives and who run with him on the field after their soccer team's first victory in a competition, as well as the victory at the national school karate championships of a girl from the school, are worth more than any other possible comment on why it was worth going there.
The admiration in the eyes of the former secretary Lucia, the activism of Florentina and the enthusiasm of Michele bear witness to the past, the present and the future of a challenge that sometimes seems impossible but that can already count on many successes and that is preparing for a further leap in quality.
Finally, the spirituality that hovers over the context is a further gift available to the lucky visitors and/or supporters.

LAVINIA DE A.

Il Giocattolo is a small association, which we met a bit by chance and which we did not know what a huge surprise it would give us.
Il Giocattoli is that association that in one evening, in a wonderful bar in Timisoara, shows you how, even in Romania, you can build a sustainable economy.
Meeting you, dear friends of Il Giocattoli, has shown me the hardest part of this Romania that I love so much and that has a place of honor in my heart, it has shown me the worst part of the human mind: "the ability to forget". You have shown me how a country of the European Union, a cousin of ours, still has pieces of itself abandoned. Thank you, however, because you have shown me the ability to remember it and to make those who had lost the memory remember it.
Thank you, because the smiles of those children, the circle in that school built from a former military barracks, the words of esteem of the teacher from Bradet (Florentina), have contributed to carrying on my amazement and my falling in love.
When you meet special people, something always remains in your heart.

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DAVIDE L.

... you can't help but immerse yourself in a warm humanity that peeks out behind every wall: as soon as you scratch the surface a little, you can meet extraordinary and memorable people.

Among these, a special place (if only in my heart) is occupied by all those who work for the Associazione Il Giocattoli, whose work here is titanic, difficult and immeasurably human.

CLAUDIA P.

... but what remains most is the journey made inside each of the people we met.

I saw in the eyes of the people the blinding darkness of those who cannot think of anything other than eating and warming themselves in the cold of the evening; that humility that only those who live in poverty can have. Their smile, their loving welcome and infinite gratitude can only warm the heart.

And the joyful children we met at the school even more!

The latter, so colorful, immersed in an ocean of green, appears as in a book of fairy tales in which all dreams can come true. The children themselves, together with the Asociatia Il Giocattolo, are the symbol of a hope that does not die.

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PIETRO F.

Thank you for making us go through an unforgettable experience. For making us understand that there are people much less fortunate than us who manage not to complain despite their conditions.

Spending time with guys who, despite not having our luck, manage to live life happily, made us understand that life is not conditioned by someone else, but you are the one who can change it whenever you want and that you can live it to the fullest as you want.

MARCO C.

What can I say, the first time we saw the children it was overwhelming. When we arrived in the afternoon we went up to the new city where a horde of children thirsty for fun and attention was waiting for us. As the days passed our relationship with the children grew stronger; we got to know them better and better, we loved them more and more. And that's how in the blink of an eye we reached the end of those two weeks. Having to say goodbye to those children was one of the hardest experiences of my life but one thought consoled me: I'll be back, I swear!

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LAVINIA

This experience was regenerating, I came from a period of my life quite full and stressful, spending a few days in Bradet's school reassured me and allowed me to get to know a reality and wonderful people.

For me it was really a great surprise that before leaving I would never have expected, for this reason I plan to return soon.

It is really true that when you make yourself useful to others you do good to yourself.

CARLOTTA D.

It was a touching and profound experience. I had the opportunity to reflect a lot, see a reality completely different from mine and understand how important small things are and how small (big) gestures can help someone else feel better. I will carry in my heart the sensations, images and emotions that I experienced and I hope that others can experience them as I did.

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ENEA B.

The Il Giocattolo Association is wonderfully, since this year, a partner of BIR ONLUS, an association of which I have been a member for 5 years.

Spending a few days in Romania “at home” of our new Toy friends was a real pleasure and an opportunity for personal growth, as well as sharing experiences between associations.

Being able to meet the children with whom they do activities, walking through the streets of their places, exchanging thoughts and glances, was like recognizing a sort of “friends of always”.

Discovering that there are other people in the world and especially in Romania, now friends, who believe and realize the same ideals, is an awareness that will never abandon us; it will give us mutual support and strength.

To grow. To not stop. To change things.

EMILIO B.

Bradet is a dream! A fairy tale! Maybe it will become a legend! With one foot in reality.

Born from the contagious passion (by the grace of God) of a group of friends (“crazy” and wonderful, like the horses that run free on those meadows) and who made a precise choice: “to get out of the “general madness” and start LIVING again in the most forgotten place.

Going there, you risk opening your eyes to reality.

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SIMONA M.

I am 22 years old, I was born in Italy, I am in excellent health and I have a family that adores me and supports me in everything I do. Living in a reality like that of Bràdet has undoubtedly helped me, I came back with everything clearer. I understood that I am lucky.

Every trip we make leaves a mark, a phrase, an image, a feeling remains imprinted in us. I believe that this mark represents the meaning of our experience, it is as if it represented the lowest common denominator... well, from Romania I will take with me the mark of a concept, an idea that should guide us in everything we do, the same idea that is guiding the members of the association Il Giocattolo and those who, together with them, are working to change things.

I am talking about the ingredient that must never be missing, humanity, collaboration, helping those who do not have what we do not lack: as Gianluca says, we are only well if everyone is well! If you think about it, there is nothing more true and I promised myself to always keep it in mind.