The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome is not only a popular spot for tourists to make wishes, but it also serves as a source of funding for charitable projects. The coins tossed into the fountain by visitors are collected by Caritas, a Catholic charity, and used to support a food bank, soup kitchen, and welfare projects. In 2022, Caritas collected 1.4 million euros from the fountain, and they expect to gather even more in 2023.
Tourists are informed through signs around the fountain that their coins will go towards helping those in need, making the act of tossing a coin even more meaningful. Despite the longstanding tradition of wishing for love or a return to Rome, visitors are now also conscious of the practical help their coins provide to unseen beneficiaries.
The fountain, completed in 1762, is a historical and cultural landmark in Rome, attracting millions of tourists each year. The legend of the fountain, along with its iconic statues and architecture, adds to its allure.
Not only are coins collected from the fountain, but workers have also retrieved various items such as jewellery, religious medals, and even umbilical cords. Caritas uses the funds generated from the fountain to operate a supermarket for needy residents, providing essential goods and support to those in need.
The tradition of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain continues to draw visitors from around the world, each hoping to fulfill their wishes while unknowingly helping others in need. The coins collected symbolize not just personal desires, but also acts of kindness towards those less fortunate.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com