22 August 2025
The mid-August of volunteers at the fair between friendships and work
New bricks already installed
"It' s good to be able to give back a little of that gratuity that we've received." Many possibilities to support the Meeting
Each new edition of the Meeting begins the day after the conclusion of the previous edition. The conception and organization last all year round. Until, two weeks before the opening of the event, the large group of volunteers of the "Pre-Meeting", gets down to work to concretize everything that has been previously thought of.
Thus, even in mid-August, hammers, tweezers, electric cables, watering cans, carpets, rollers, and brushes come to life in the expert hands of young and old in the pavilions of the Fair where exhibitions, stands, exhibition spaces, meeting places and restaurants grow. Without a doubt, a unique way to spend part of the holidays. Even more surprising is that those who have lived through this experience once can't help but repeat it in the years that follow.
Marta Gradara and Caterina Ubiali, students of the Politecnico di Milano, do not have the face of those who sacrificed mid-August, on the contrary! Two smiles that without too many words make it clear that the Pre-Meeting is much more than commitment and work. They are part of the so-called "Special Squadron". "We go where they tell us there is a need," explains Caterina. Today we paint the panels of the exhibitions, so it may happen that we are asked to water the plants or clean spaces. The beauty is seeing how slowly everything takes shape and comes to life." They are not in their first experience and have known the Meeting for some time.
«I used to come there as a child with my parents," says Marta. What caught my attention was that, while everywhere else everything was paid, at the meeting everything was for me and, moreover, free. It is beautiful that I can give back a little of that gratuitousness that I have received, helping to give others the same opportunity that I had. There are many possible ways of supporting the Meeting and everyone can identify their own."
Roberto Zampieri, retired, is a veteran of the electricians' team: "At first I came to the Pre-Meeting invited by some friends; Later I came back because I enjoyed spending days of work and pleasant coexistence. Over time I have understood that my contribution, which I consider modest, is destined for a greater work, an opportunity for many different realities to meet that would probably not intersect, and from this a greater and unexpected good can be born for all."
