Over 400 Hungry People Fed in Just One Hour Thanks to Rytas Vilnius Representatives: Nobody Is Immune
Members of the Rytas Vilnius basketball club organization visited the Betanija social center run by the Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas, where they volunteered and helped people facing financial difficulties.
The volunteer action involved not only the main Rytas Vilnius team members but also the club’s youth, dancers, and representatives of the Kibirkštis team. They were able not only to observe but also to participate directly in the daily operations of the center.
In just over an hour, 412 people visited the center. Together with the Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas organization, the athletes prepared meals, packed and distributed aid packages, and interacted with the people. All team members volunteering agreed that the most surprising aspect was the number of people coming to the center.
The team’s head coach Giedrius Žibėnas shared his experience: “This number of people really highlights how pressing this issue is. Even more striking were the stories we heard – many of those waiting in line once had good jobs, families, were successful businesspeople, and we also saw young people. These sights make you rethink and realize that life can turn upside down at any moment, and none of us are immune from that.”
For the first time in Lithuania, but not the first time in his life, Rytas Vilnius center Javins DeLaurier encouraged club supporters to join the volunteer effort.
“Even though you help others, you also help yourself, gaining invaluable experience and reflecting on things you usually take for granted,” said the tall player of the capital club. “Growing up in the United States, I volunteered at our church’s food bank, so I have experienced something similar before. No extra motivation was needed to join the initiative because I believe we should always help one another. Life can be difficult, and something as simple as an hour or two of your time can brighten a day for someone struggling,” said J. DeLaurier.
Meanwhile, the club’s director expressed great respect for the Caritas organization for the positive change they create in society and promised to return.
“Today we met many brave people – those who generously extend a helping hand and those who are not afraid to accept help,” said J. Latušinskij. “Meeting the Caritas staff and volunteers filled us with faith and hope. The people there are changing the world with small but steady steps. Volunteering is a great way to earn karma points and personally make a difference in people’s lives. I will definitely return here and encourage anyone who wants to contribute to goodness to do the same. It costs you nothing, but it can change the lives of the people you help.”
Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas director Audronė Kairienė expressed her happiness that more and more companies and organizations are coming to volunteer.
“We encourage active participation. It is wonderful when entire teams contribute to acts of kindness. Both those receiving help and those giving it especially enjoy meetings with well-known people, so the visit from Rytas Vilnius basketball players was a true celebration! It’s easier to love kittens, puppies, and children. It’s much harder to accept people experiencing homelessness, poverty, addictions, or recently released from prison. Society tends to overlook such individuals. However, the main goal of me and the entire Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas is for every person to feel dignified.”
Last week, Rytas Vilnius announced the renewal of the Together Against All campaign, aimed at uniting people working at and supporting the club and continuously raising awareness of social issues and contributing to their resolution.
“On October 10, marking Homelessness Day and the start of the cold season, the club decided to dedicate the entire month to people facing financial difficulties and invited supporters to join the initiative. During all home games in October at the Jeep Arena, spectators will find a Caritas charity box to collect items helping people without a permanent home survive the cold season – jackets, shoes, trousers, sweaters, t-shirts, and more.”
“Fans visiting the arena will also find the Caritas Prize Wheel, which anyone donating money to the organization can spin. In mid-October, Rytas Vilnius will hold an auction where the highest bidder can purchase team jerseys signed by all players, with all proceeds going to the Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas organization.”
Those wishing to donate to the organization immediately can call 1454 (donation of 5 EUR) or use their website.
„The Together Against All campaign will not be limited to October and will continue throughout the season, aiming to address as many social issues as possible.