As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the generous support of the tour operators VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers. Thanks to their contributions, Addiopizzo has been able to continue its vital work in Palermo, empowering those affected by Mafia extortion and fostering social change through educational initiatives, victim assistance, and urban regeneration.
Their unwavering commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable travel has been instrumental in advancing our mission. Through their Travelers’ Fund Program, every year a donation is made on behalf of each traveler, providing a meaningful contribution to initiatives like ours that promote social justice and environmental sustainability.
For two decades, Addiopizzo has been committed to creating a mafia-free environment in Sicily. This year, we celebrated 20 years of dedication and progress, but we are aware that much work remains. The challenges in Palermo and its province, where poverty and extortion still permeate society, require both long-term strategies and immediate action.
In 2024, thanks to these donations, Addiopizzo continued to assist extortion victims in their courageous efforts to fight back. From supporting workers and business owners to participating as civil plaintiffs in landmark cases, we are actively contributing to a legal system that favors justice over fear.
Our programs in the Kalsa district of Palermo also flourished this year. We provided educational support for 25 children living in conditions of social and economic marginalization, ensuring they received the help they needed to succeed in school. Additionally, our inclusive sports and health programs, such as free medical visits for local youth, empowered young people to break free from the cycle of poverty and crime.
The contribution from VBT and Country Walkers has made all of this possible. Their belief in the importance of community-driven efforts to combat organized crime, poverty, and educational inequality aligns perfectly with Addiopizzo’s mission. Together, we are working toward a brighter future for Sicily—one where people are free from the grip of the Mafia and can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Highlights from 2024 include:
- Addiopizzo’s 20th Anniversary: The “ADDIOPIZZO 20” exhibition marked two decades of Addiopizzo’s journey, celebrating key milestones and the positive impact we’ve made. Volunteers returned to the streets of Palermo with a renewed message, carrying forward a tradition that has guided us for 20 years.
- Business Owners and Workers United Against the Mafia: A landmark case this year saw workers, for the first time, join as civil parties alongside their employer in reporting Mafia crimes, with support from Addiopizzo.
- Support for Victims of Mafia Intimidation: Addiopizzo coordinated solidarity-driven efforts from a network of entrepreneurs and shopkeepers, who contributed materials to rebuild a beach establishment destroyed by arson, offering much-needed support to the victims.
- Mafia-free Critical Consumption: Our anti-racket critical consumption network expanded, with more businesses across Palermo joining us to promote fair and ethical practices, strengthening our campaign for a mafia-free economy.
- Educational Support for Children in ‘Kalsa’: At the Addiopizzo headquarters, we continued to provide educational support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them overcome social and economic barriers.
- Free Medical Visits for inclusive sport activities: We offered free medical visits and educational assistance to children, reinforcing our commitment to improving access to healthcare and education in marginalized communities. Our sports initiatives remained an essential tool in engaging local youth, offering them opportunities for personal development and fostering social cohesion.
Looking forward to 2025, we are excited about continuing our partnership with VBT and Country Walkers, knowing their commitment to social responsibility will help us achieve even greater strides in the coming year.
Thank you once again for VBT and Country Walker’s ongoing support!
