The coronavirus pandemic has swept the globe, continuing to disorient communities with panic and doubt. But even in the darkest times, people find opportunities to rise. During these pressing times, the elderly have been among some of the most vulnerable. Essentials have been difficult to obtain as people scramble to stock their houses in uncertainty.

That’s why an all-female group of gondola rowers in Venice, Italy has taken to the canals to reach out to and help their local community get what they need.

The group is called Row Venice, and they consist of “passionate women and expert vogatrici” — the Italian word for rowers. They are committed to preserving the traditional Italian style of rowing. But after their community’s initial lockdown in March, they committed themselves to a different cause.

The nonprofit organization began delivering groceries via gondola to their elderly and immunocompromised neighbors to help meet the new and overwhelming demand for goods.

The group shared via Instagram:

“We were more than happy to volunteer our boats and crews to lend a hand.”

Italy has been hit particularly hard by the Coronavirus, with over 204,000 cases. Of those, 2,400 have occurred in Venice alone. The city imposed a tight lockdown in an attempt to flatten the curve of the sweep of the virus.

The lockdown left many people vulnerable and in a difficult position, as they were unable to obtain the necessary goods required for daily living. And this is precisely when Row Venice heroically took to their gondolas for support.

During the lockdown, the canals have been quiet and the group’s traditional rowing lessons have come to a halt, giving them ample time and space to reach out to those in their surrounding community.

In addition to delivering essential goods, the group has even partnered with local farms for produce delivery in an attempt to keep the small local businesses, well, afloat!

The group shared on social media:

“We found that an ever increasing number of home-bound Venetians were placing orders to small, mainland organic produce companies,” the group explained. “We decided to volunteer our boats and vogatrici to help deliver these orders by oar directly to residences around the city — precisely the kind of work our traditional batele [boats] once performed before motor craft replaced them… We hope this is a reminder to every one of the alternatives Venice has for transportation of both goods (and people!), even after this crisis has passed.”

Beautifully enough, these fierce lady rowers are not only protecting the safety of their neighbors, but they are also honoring the deeply-rooted history of their beloved city.

“With time seemingly suspended for most of us, we’re witnessing a Venezia more spectacular and tranquil than we have ever known it,” the group reflected. “It also seems like the opportune moment to try and sustain this Venice, and to extend the definition of consumer quality throughout whole supply chain with a zero impact, completely environmentally-friendly service — one particularly welcome in this fragile lagoon.”

What a moving way to step up and support their neighbors! Check out their efforts for yourself in the video below.

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Sources: Inspiremore, A Mighty Girl, Facebook/Row Venice