The historic pasta maker from Abruzzo is supporting the TakeMeBack cause, creating a synergy between tradition and solidarity.
When two Italian leaders come together for a common cause, the result is bound to be extraordinary! That’s exactly what’s happening thanks to the new partnership between TakeMeBack – Corrieri Solidali and Rustichella d’Abruzzo. A meeting between innovative philanthropy and Abruzzo’s culinary tradition, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable communities through a concrete and lasting commitment.
TakeMeBack – Solidarity Couriers, founded in 2016 by Antonio Di Leonardo and Andrea Mariani, transforms travel into a powerful tool for solidarity. The nonprofit organization supports a network of“Solidarity Couriers,”who are called upon to deliver humanitarian aid to the world’s most remote and troubled areas, from communities in the heart of Africa to the most isolated villages in Asia. Their work goes far beyond simply delivering goods: every mission is an opportunity to build human connections, share stories and experiences, and kindle hope for a better future.
Supporting this vision is Rustichella d’Abruzzo, a symbol of Italian culinary excellence since 1924, recognized worldwide for its high-quality artisanal pasta.
In addition to bringing the authentic flavors of tradition to tables around the world, Rustichella remains committed to charitable initiatives, with a particular focus on sustainability and its connection to the local community.
In 2024, Rustichella is a partner of MasterChef Italia, supplying the official pasta for the popular Sky Original cooking show produced by Endemol Shine Italy. This partnership confirms the company’s central role in the Made in Italy landscape and its commitment to promoting Italian excellence even beyond national borders.
The partnership between TakeMeBack and Rustichella d’Abruzzo is much more than just a simple collaboration: it is a union of shared values and missions, focused on improving life in the world’s most disadvantaged communities, with the shared goal of turning small actions into tangible change.
A partnership born from the heart
The partnership between TakeMeBack and Rustichella d’Abruzzo did not come about by chance, but grew out of a meaningful encounter. In 2019, representatives from Rustichella attended a screening of a documentary film produced by TakeMeBack right here in Abruzzo. The emotional impact of that film left a deep impression on Stefania Peduzzi, the company’s owner, who immediately felt a strong affinity with the values promoted by the organization. From that moment on, a journey of collaboration began that has now blossomed into a structured partnership.
Stefania described the origins of this partnership as follows:“We first learned about this project in 2019 when we were invited to attend a screening of their documentary film here in Abruzzo. The idea that a single photograph could unwittingly give rise to a full-fledged film is the perfect example of how small actions can lead to great projects. So we too set sail on this ship and unfurled our sails toward the noble goal of supporting TakeMeBack and their mission. Rustichella d’Abruzzo has always been sensitive to these initiatives; we couldn’t back down, and here we are today as partners of the solidarity couriers.”
The Impact of Collaboration
This partnership goes beyond a one-time financial contribution: Rustichella d’Abruzzo has decided to commit to a recurring donation that will allow TakeMeBack to plan its humanitarian missions in a more structured and sustained manner. Each aid mission requires meticulous organization, from the goods to be delivered to transportation logistics, right through to engagement with local communities. Rustichella d’Abruzzo’s contribution will enable the organization to strengthen its network of volunteers and increase the amount of aid delivered to the most remote villages.
Antonio Di Leonardo, co-founder of TakeMeBack, expressed his deep gratitude for this partnership: “We are extremely grateful and honored to have Rustichella d’Abruzzo as a partner on our journey of solidarity. Knowing that an Italian company of such excellence has chosen to support us strengthens our daily commitment. This partnership will allow us to expand our network of solidarity couriers and reach even more communities in need around the world, continuing to make a difference.”
The Future of the Partnership
Rustichella d’Abruzzo’s support will enable TakeMeBack to continue growing and expanding its operations. With more resources at its disposal, the organization will be able to increase the frequency of its missions, reach even more isolated communities, and bring not only material goods but also hope for the future.
Together, these two organizations demonstrate that change can begin with small gestures and that, by joining forces, we can achieve significant goals. This partnership is just the beginning of a long journey that, through solidarity and mutual support, can make a difference for many communities in need.
This partnership serves as a shining example that could inspire many other companies to get involved in social initiatives, helping to create a fairer and more compassionate world for everyone. The project is based on the idea that even a small contribution can make a big difference… and with a partner like Rustichella d’Abruzzo, TakeMeBack’s future looks even brighter.