Hello everyone. Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey with you, one that has not only shaped my life but also the lives of many others. This is the story of how Asociatia Taxi Gratis came to be, born from a personal tragedy and transformed into a beacon of hope and support for those in need.
A Mother’s Ordeal Becomes a Son’s Mission
The loss of my mother was an indescribable shock, a turning point that altered my perspective on life and suffering. Her years of immobilization and the struggles associated with each hospital visit left a profound impact on me. In her memory, I embarked on a mission to offer free transportation to sick individuals, ensuring their journey to the hospital is less of a burden. This service, running for over ten years now, has covered more than 2,000 kilometers and assisted over 450 people.
The Intersection of Professional Skills and Volunteering
Despite my career as a Head of Engineering and CTO, I’ve always found time for volunteering. Initially, I used my personal sedan car to help people, facing challenges in accommodating folding strollers and assisting patients into the vehicle. It was a humble beginning, but it taught me the importance of empathy and direct action in helping others.
After nearly six years, I upgraded to a minibus, specially adapted with a ramp for people with disabilities. Every earning went into this endeavor, always keeping my mother’s memory and the needs of the community at heart. This was not just a service but a personal commitment to offer support where the authorities fell short.
A Dream to Expand and Enhance Support
My dream is simple yet profound: to help as many people as possible. The cost of transporting an immobilized person can range significantly, but at Asociatia Taxi Gratis, we do it for free, dozens of times a month. The goal now is to expand, potentially doubling our capacity with another vehicle and more helping hands.
Media Recognition and Generous Support
Recently, I had the opportunity to share the mission of Asociatia Taxi Gratis with a broader audience through an interview with Antena1, a major TV station in Romania.
The interview offers viewers a closer look at our day-to-day operations and the real-life stories of those we help. It’s a powerful piece that not only highlights the necessity of our services but also the human side of our mission.
A Significant Boost from OSCAR Downstream
In an amazing show of support, OSCAR Downstream, a renowned company, stepped forward with a generous donation of 4200 euros in fuel for Asociatia Taxi Gratis. This contribution is very important for us, significantly enhancing our ability to reach more people in need. Fuel costs are a substantial part of our operating expenses, and this donation allows us to allocate resources to other critical areas, like vehicle maintenance and potential expansion.
The generosity of OSCAR Downstream is a heartwarming reminder of the power of community and corporate responsibility. It’s partnerships like these that fuel our mission (quite literally!) and enable us to keep moving forward, reaching out to more people and making a tangible difference in their lives.
Personal Reflections and the Essence of Giving Back
In this journey, I’ve realized the importance of giving back to society. It’s about creating a circle of support, understanding, and compassion. If you’re inspired or wish to contribute to this cause, remember that every small act counts. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it the most.
Life’s challenges, as daunting as they may seem, are opportunities to make a difference. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to look at their struggles as catalysts for positive change. It’s not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about transforming them into pathways of support and care for others.
Let’s continue to share, support, and uplift each other. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
