Debate over Trevi Fountain coins continues
For charity or government?
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TRAVEL Trevi fountain
It has been a longtime tradition to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain when visiting Rome. Close your eyes, make a wish, and sacrifice a Euro to the magnificent marble artifact. As thousands of people visit the fountain every day, the city vacuums the coins and donates the money to the Catholic charity, Caritas. However, recent debate has been brought to light about where the collection should be distributed.
According to Culture Trip, the city of Rome faces nearly €13.6 million of debt and could use the extra fountain funds. However, many believe this money is not meant for the government.
Enrico Feroci, director of Caritas Rome, said that giving the money to the charitable organization, "concretely expresses the solidarity of the whole city of Rome toward those who suffer and are disadvantaged." The money goes to food, beds, healthcare, and training courses for the elderly, homeless, and migrants.
The average amount of money collected from the fountain is about €1.4 million per year, which makes for a lot of wishes. The question is, whose should be granted?