Despite the weather, Saturday's brigade of the Metallurgists for Košice event took place in all six locations to which we promised our help. In the Forrest Gump Club in the Železníky housing estate, which runs a day care center for the disabled, trade unionists rolled up their sleeves.

The Forrest Gump Club is intended for adults with disabilities, especially people with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders. For a few hours during the day here, in a safe and stimulating environment, they can spend time meaningfully, develop their skills, establish social contacts and acquire the skills necessary for the greatest possible independence in everyday life.

The non-profit organization has embarked on the reconstruction of the former school outbuilding, which will serve as a social services facility with a week-long stay for nine clients with disabilities in the future.

Saturday's brigade was coordinated by Juraj Varga, the head of the trade union:
"The weather did not stop us, we worked indoors. Nine radiators were given a new coat, we also painted the door frames, mesh the walls in two rooms and removed the old insulating floor, which was more demanding manual work. The atmosphere was generous and kind. We have helped the Forrest Gump Club several times in the past. It was nice to come back here and see the final form of the premises in the reconstruction of which we once helped. We are a great community, always happy to help, I would say that we have it "in DNA"."

Trade unionists are known for finishing work they didn't manage to do at another time. It will be no different now, they plan to return to the day care center and sand and paint the external fencing.

Words of gratitude were heard from the director of the non-profit organization, Lucia Tažiková:

"A big thank you goes to the employees of U. S. Steel, who participated in the Steelmakers for Košice event on Saturday and sacrificed their time and skills for the reconstruction of a social facility intended for people with disabilities. Despite the bad weather, they did a great deal of work for our non-profit organization. They helped with wall plastering of future clients' rooms, cleaning the floor from linoleum residues, painting door frames and radiators. It was a hard work, but the result is worth it. I believe that in addition to the feeling of a job well done, everyone is also fulfilled by a sense of usefulness, meaningfulness and a pleasantly spent day."

Photogallery: Anetta Polomská