SPAIN. Travel restaurateur Areas has hosted a Valentine’s Day event at its Como restaurant in Barcelona’s Sants Station for members of the Dinder Club, the social transformation project and first dating app for people with an intellectual disability. The intiative was facilitated as part of Areas’ commitment to diversity.
The event was promoted under the slogan ‘Diverse Love: All you need is love – all you need is Dinder Club’ on the Dinder Club app.
At the Como gathering, Areas and Dinder Club put together a creative confectionery workshop for the 30 participants. The guests also had the opportunity to make customised afternoon teas and enjoy them in what Areas described as “a cheerful and supportive setting”.
The event enjoyed the collaboration of Fundació Prevent’s Remedios Labella, who encouraged the group and supported them during the activity.
It also featured a concert by the group From Lost to the River, led by neurobiologist and science personality Mara Dierssen, known for her research into Down’s Syndrome.
The band presented a repertoire of songs penned by people with intellectual disabilities exploring themes of love and heartbreak.
Areas Chief People, Culture and Organization Officer Òscar Cuadrado said: “Our commitment to diversity is not just a statement of intent, but a way of living our daily lives, as well as the standard operating practice in the organisation, which defines our values, our inclusive culture, and our ‘Areas For Change’ sustainability strategy in the People area.”
He added: “With this action, we wanted to build a space where everyone, without distinction, could feel seen, while also connecting with society and the community where we provide our services in a sincere, deep and meaningful way.”
Dinder Club Chief Executive Max Roures welcomed the initiative as a way to continue generating tools and promoting safe spaces where social, affective and loving relationships can be fostered between people with an intellectual disability.
Areas Chief Marketing and Expansion Officer Mireya Muñoz commented: “This initiative is in line with the Areas commitment to shaking up its outlets and promoting them among customers, as well as the company’s desire to offer different and unique experiences, in this case with Dinder Club.” 
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