Tod’s and the San Patrignano Community have reached a significant milestone: ten years of collaboration. The initiative originated from a meeting between Diego and Andrea Della Valle and Letizia Moratti, which led to the idea of establishing a leather goods workshop within the Community. Since then, Tod’s has provided machinery and materials, supported the sale of products — with all proceeds benefiting the Community — and, above all, shared expertise, enabling residents to develop valuable skills and build future careers. The anniversary was marked with a special event held at the Tod’s outlet near the group’s headquarters in Casette d’Ete, Sant’Elpidio a Mare (Fermo).
The project’s purpose
The original aim of the initiative was to nurture talent, pass on skills and create new opportunities through Italian craftsmanship. Today, around thirty people are involved in the workshop, and upon completing the programme — which lasts on average three years — they are ready to enter the labour market. In some cases, this includes employment opportunities within Tod’s itself, as confirmed by Luca Giunta, the project’s commercial manager. “There is significant demand to join the workshop, and motivation is what makes the difference”, he explains. “Beyond learning a trade, the leather goods workshop encourages relationships, teamwork and mutual support. The key word is enthusiasm”.
Tod’s commitment
Tod’s support also includes funding the costs of specialised technical staff, who work alongside participants every day to provide training and guidance. Products created in the workshop are sold under the San Patrignano brand and are distributed through Tod’s channels, including the outlet in Sant’Elpidio a Mare. “Skills are the most important contribution Tod’s offers”, comments Mario Andrenacci, the group’s Head of Social Projects. “They allow the young people in the Community to build an independent professional future. The Della Valle family’s intention is to support the Community in a way that creates lasting value, and teaching a trade is entirely consistent with that goal”.
Photo: The leather goods workshop at the San Patrignano Community; inset, activities at the Tod’s outlet in the Marche region
