In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Italy is in need of an estimated 50 million masks. That's because the country doesn't make this product, and it can't get it from foreign companies due to the border closures.
This difficult moment has sparked creativity and a sense of solidarity in many people. One example is the Talarico family.
TIZIANO TALARICO
CEO Talarico Cravatte
“My father and I looked each other in the eye. We wanted to do something to help. Quarantine is hard. We're dynamic people. We wanted to move, to do something for our country. That's why we came up with this idea to raise money to help the Calabria region.”
They established one of the most prestigious brands of hand-made ties: Talarico. However, in recent days, its tailors have gotten together to produce masks to meet the demand and contribute to the common good.
They came up with a special mask from their exclusive designs. The mask has a small pocket, which allows the paper filter inside to be changed for a clean one.
TIZIANO TALARICO
CEO Talarico Cravatte
“We made them using the leftover fabric from our ties. The result was a mask like the one I'm wearing. We're making around 10,000 to sell for five euro a piece. All the money we make will be donated. The masks are hand-made by our tailors.”
Over 30 tailors are working on the initiative “Talarico per il sociale e per la Calabria.” With the money earned, they will purchase healthcare material needed to face the pandemic in Italy's southern region of Calabria.
TIZIANO TALARICO
CEO Talarico Cravatte
“I'm proud of Italians in this moment. I've rediscovered the solidarity of the Italian people, which I thought we had lost. Seeing people sing on their balconies and say, 'We can't see each other, but we are near,' is very moving.”
The initiative is yet another indication that difficult moments have the power to bring people together. In this case, it's an entire nation, united under a single hope: “Tutto andrà bene,” “Everything will be okay.”
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
