The delay in waiting for public transport due to the pandemic can be a time well used. Residents of the Bom Fim neighburhood, in the city of Guaíba, can spend their time in good reading or choosing a book. Parada Solidária was initiated by the Sisters of St. Joseph, namely Srs. Angela Maria Ribas, Laura Gavazzoni and Nilva Dal Bello to encourage reading and to show solidarity in this scenario of uncertainty.
The bus stop on Rua Siá Alice which is in front of the convent of Sisters became a national news due to the innovative character of the initiative. Those waiting for the bus can choose to read texts from self-help books to Brazilian literature, depending on the taste of the passenger. The initiative was implemented in early June and was appreciated by public transport users. Sr. Laura stresses that the initiative emerged as a loving way to provide people with an opportunity to grow intellectually by readings and promote ideas of solidarity. "This simple initiative wants to motivate and encourage people to care for life, to be in solidarity with others and to be committed to the common good".
The sisters provided the bottles of sanitizers for the passengers to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, they also provided a trash bin to put the fruit peels at the bus stand. The results of this activities are wonderful. Sr. Laura emotionally reports that a garbage collector was sad because he could not enjoy reading the books. But, he found a way. “He took a book and gave to his granddaughter to read it to him”. “It is small gestures like these that make a difference in lives of people. These activities fill us with enthusiasm and hope”.
Elton Bozetto, Jornalist, RP 10.417
