The Arc de Sant Martí Foundation unveiled its new Gastroarc project in Martorell on Saturday evening, aiming to create 15 adapted jobs for people with intellectual disabilities within the town's future Municipal Market. This significant announcement came during the Foundation's annual Solidarity Dinner and Show, which gathered nearly 180 people from the local community.
New Employment Opportunities
Gastroarc will establish three distinct gastronomic spaces inside the new market. These include a healthy food and poke bowl outlet, a frankfurter and burger stand, and an Italian trattoria serving pizza and pasta. The project is strategically located near the Foundation's premises. This proximity helps ensure smooth operations and support for staff. Rosa Cadenas, manager of the Arc de Sant Martí Foundation, explained the project's goal. She stated the Foundation wants to continue advancing in employment integration. "The boys and girls of Arc de Sant Martí can also provide service and feel like protagonists," Cadenas said. She added that the project aims to create "adapted work" and inclusive spaces. These spaces allow people with disabilities to work "in a normalised environment." This approach fosters independence and self-esteem among participants.
Annual Solidarity Event
The Solidarity Dinner and Show took place at Nau 2 de Ca n’Oliveres, a venue in Martorell, a municipality in the Barcelona province. Families, users of the Foundation's services, professionals, volunteers, collaborating businesses, and institutional representatives attended the event. The evening combined dinner, live music, entertainment, and a traditional charity raffle. This festive atmosphere aimed to strengthen bonds among everyone connected to the Foundation. Ms Cadenas highlighted the social and community value of this annual gathering. She called the Solidarity Dinner and Show "the big day" for the Foundation. It allows them to meet "with families, friends, volunteers" to explain new projects and share a "very exciting" night. She also stressed the importance of the raffle and business collaborators. Cadenas defended the need to keep generating "this bond of union, of inclusion, where we can all do everything and share it." This event is one of the most emblematic on Martorell's social calendar. It consistently brings together diverse groups for a common cause.
Local Government Support
Xavier Fonollosa, the Mayor of Martorell, also attended the event. He publicly congratulated the Foundation for its long history and significant social impact. Mayor Fonollosa described Arc de Sant Martí as "an emblematic entity" that does "impeccable work." He remarked that Martorell is "lucky" to have such a foundation operating within its community. The Mayor also confirmed the City Council's full support for the new Gastroarc project. He encouraged the organisation to continue its vital work in the municipality. This backing from local government provides a strong foundation for the project's success.
Advancing Inclusion in Martorell
The Arc de Sant Martí Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and active participation. It continues to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. This latest Solidarity Dinner and Show further solidifies its position. The Foundation remains a key social organisation in the municipality of Martorell. The Gastroarc project represents a concrete step towards greater social and labour inclusion. It provides meaningful employment opportunities for a vulnerable group within the local economy. This initiative helps integrate individuals into the workforce. It also enriches the community by promoting diversity and equal opportunities.
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Originally published by Martorell. Read original article.
