Illycaffè partners with Arsenal of Hope in São Paulo

illycaffè announces a partnership with Arsenal da Esperança, in São Paulo, an institution that takes in around 1,200 homeless men every day.

The agreement provides for the Italian company to donate half of the coffee consumed each day in the community kitchen, in addition to providing the other 50% at cost price.

The initiative also includes the opening of a café inside the Arsenal, where illy coffee will be served, offering a new meeting point for volunteers, visitors and regulars.

"With this action, illycaffè reinforces its commitment to social responsibility and support for projects that promote dignity and inclusion through meaningful local partnerships," the company said in a statement published on its social media.

On May 9, illycaffè CEO Andrea Illy visited Brazil and was at Arsenal accompanied by his wife, Elisabetta. The couple and the company's entourage, which included Frederico Canepa, general director of illycaffè Sud America, as well as Guilherme Pereira and José Cordeiro, from the local team, were welcomed by the institution's leaders: Father Lorenzo, Adriana, Irene, Gianfranco and Father Simone.

The Arsenal of Hope is inspired by the Arsenale della Pace, in Turin, Italy, and is part of a network that also includes the Arsenale dell'Armonia, near the capital of Piedmont, and the Arsenale dell'Incontro, in Jordan.