
Kamiano in Antwerp is a restaurant of Sant’Egidio who look after homeless people. Those in need can get a meal for free. Pascale Bemelmans is one of the co-founders of this organization in Antwerp. “Disinfection treatment by EWS was very welcome and is a wonderful gesture.”
Pascale learned more about the Sant’Egidio organization in Rome while she was on holiday. She started the restaurant in Antwerp in 1994 together with some other people. Sant’ Egidio has grown into a large organization with thousand volunteers in Belgium. “It’s all about more empathy in this society without judging,” said Pascale. The organization’s message is that poverty can happen to anyone. Kamiano’s approach is very personal. People will be helped by a warm welcome with great respect and in a family atmosphere. Did you know that 250 people come to the restaurant for a warm meal each week? We reach more than thousand people in distress. In winter, soups and other hot meals are brought to various groups of homeless people by cargo bike. “The hot meal is an answer to a first and immediate need. But for those who want, there is also guidance in many other areas, ”explains Pascale.
Kamiano’s team consists of several professional counselors, including psychologists and social workers. They have numerous of serveral volunteers to. “Kamiano is co-financed by the city of Antwerp, but also relies on donations and volunteers. That’s why it was a nice gesture that EWS Group wanted to help us disinfect our restaurant and guidance center ”, says Pascale gratefully. “It was impressive to experience the disinfection treatment!”. According to EWS, this location was already very clean, because Kamiano has monitored this very closely because of the Corona measures. “Hygiene is very important to us, especially for these vulnerable people. We are very happy that we were able to disinfect the spaces professionally, because the mist reaches places that are difficult for us to reach and is also able to kill bacteria, “says Pascale. So you help us help!”