Valerio’s story
A young traveller, a journal, and the friends who kept going.
Valerio Daniel De Simoni set out to cross Africa raising money for others and died on the way. His travel journals were published in Italian and English, a song was written from his poem, and his family and friends founded this association in his name.
The three things he cared about became our three programs. His motto became ours: open, fearless, positive.
Since 2011
How we got here
Association founded in Sydney
First lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre; Villawood visits begin
Travel Journals book launch
Community garden in Bronte
Weekly veggie deliveries to Jarjum College
The Journey art prize
Three friends become citizens
Run by volunteers
No paid staff. Board members cook, garden and visit like everyone else.
Registered charity
Accredited by the ACNC and independent of any religious or political party.
100% to programs
Community funded. Your donation pays for food, seedlings, prizes and transport.
Smile at life, at all parts of life. Life is life, being is being, living is living. Be thankful for being able to read this passage.
Valerio Daniel De Simoni
The people
Our board
Lorenzo Logi President
Jamie Kenyon Vice-President
Sandra Carvajal Treasurer & Secretary
Vittoria Pasquini Board member · refugee visits
Kristopher (Ted) Davant Board member
Mariella Totaro-Genevois Board member · lunch group, 14 years
Kathryn Welch Board member
Get involved
Three ways to be part of it
Give
Every dollar goes to programs. A gift feeds friends at the Tuesday lunch or plants a garden bed.
Donate nowVolunteer
Cook a lunch, spend a Saturday in the Bronte garden, or visit a refugee friend.
See how to help