A Community of Passion

If you look around your community you can find ways to participate in some of the most rewarding things that are happening.  When I look around my own community I find wonderful people doing amazing things.

Every Saturday someone goes to the local bread shop and picks up 4 large bags of day-old bread and delivers it to the local homeless shelter for their "Souper Center".  Every week someone takes the donated groceries from the church to the local food pantry that feeds hundred's of desperate families every day. 

Linda Schneider, founder of Self Sustaining Communities (SSC) in Richmond, CA has started several self-sustaining communities in the Richmond area.  They are an organization working with low-income residents, community residents and city officials to create sustainable local food production in distressed and needy neighborhoods. What awesome work she is doing in and for our community.  What a difference in people's lives she is making.  One person at a time....one community at a time.

The organization started with delivering fruit trees to the local low income areas of the East Bay. There have been 9400 fruit, nut and olive trees donated since 2009.  Chickens, rabbits, beehives, gardens, etc, have been up and running by the local community residents.  They take care of it themselves with the help of members and volunteers of other local communities.

Look around...can you see the passion around you and the potential to join in?  I challenge you today to find your passion, be involved in your community and bring others with you.  What's your vision for your community?  You can play a big part in the lives of those around you just by picking up the bread and delivering it to the local homeless shelter.

Follow Your Passion

Cynthia Cosco

Holiday Compassion

There are many things that come to my mind each holiday season. One of the most important is compassion. We often forget about those in need because the season is so busy with shopping, family gatherings, present wrapping, and evening parties with friends. It's a time of great cheer...it can be hard to make ourselves stop and consider those less fortunate. I ask that you help me act on the compassion that is in the heart of each of us...

In 2009, Passaggio Wines began a relationship with our local homeless shelter and donated 10% of our sales for the month of December to the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program. This shelter, known in our community as G.R.I.P., works to address critical issues of human dignity and social justice that affect the poor, the homeless and the disenfranchised. G.R.I.P.'s focus is on three core initiatives: providing food, shelter and supportive services to help homeless individuals and families make the transition to self-sufficiency. They have done amazing work in our community and rely on the support of those who believe in their mission.

This year Passaggio Wines will continue our tradition of compassion and again donate 10% of all sales for the month of December plus $5 for each wineclub membership signup. Please watch the slideshow of some of GRIP's clients below and consider helping me and many others give those in need not only a warm and safe holiday, but an opportunity for a future of self-sufficiency.

Thank you