How to do good at Christmas
In Italy there are many voluntary associations that work every day to help people who are in difficulty. During the holiday season, initiatives are multiplied to allow these people to spend a more peaceful and pleasant Christmas in Italy.
Voluntary associations play a fundamental role in the social and community fabric of Italy. In fact, they try to fill some structural gaps in society in the different areas in which they operate. These people dedicate time and resources to the welfare of the entire community. Here are the initiatives for Christmas organized by some of the most important voluntary associations in Italy.
What are voluntary organizations and how do they operate?
Voluntary associations are non-profit organisations made up of citizens who share the same ideals or interests. The birth of this association is due to the union of a group of members who are directly involved in carrying out its activities.
An important aspect to stress is that associations can pursue a variety of purposes. They work in social, religious, educational, recreational, sports and environmental fields. They are mainly based on the work of people who work free although it must be said that often they also have paid staff which allows to carry out activities in an effective and professional way.
UNICEF and Save the children: associations for children
In Italy, the two most important associations that deal with children are UNICEF and Save the Children. The first was created in 1946 to help children who were victims of the Second World War. Today it is a UN Children’s Fund that works to protect and promote the development of children around the world with special attention for those who are more fragile. The Italian section was founded in 1974 and today I have over 5000 volunteers and 276 thousand donors.
Its activities are mainly in developing countries and work to raise public awareness of children’s needs. During the Christmas holidays we celebrate joy and sharing with those we love but unfortunately this does not happen for many children,. That’s why UNICEF launched the 2024 Christmas initiative to bring life-saving food to children in areas devastated by conflict, drought and extreme poverty.
Another of the most important voluntary associations in Italy that works in the field of childhood is Save the Children, which for Christmas 2024 organizes the initiative Christmas Jumper Day. Those who wish to make an offer to the association and wear the jumper at work or school. The donation will ensure that children in need have food and water.
Italian Red Cross and the associations for the assistance of the sick
One of the most important Italian associations is the Italian Red Cross, which deals with assistance to the sick. It is a voluntary association founded in 1928 and aims to protect and promote universal education for health and safety of people.
For the holidays of Christmas, the Italian Red Cross organizes many initiatives through its numerous offices throughout Italy. These include the collection of gifts for children in need and the sale of Christmas sweets to raise funds for the care of the sick.
AIRC is one of the associations that deal with sick people. It is a non-profit foundation that promotes fundraising for cancer research. Another aim is to disseminate correct information about cancer diseases.
Every year, during the Christmas holidays, many initiatives are organized especially for children and adolescents affected by cancer. The association has an online shop where you can choose from many solidarity gifts to buy. This helps cancer research.
Solidarity associations: initiatives for the poor during the Christmas period
One of the many problems that afflict people in the world is that of poverty which is becoming a phenomenon increasingly widespread due to wars, famines and economic crises. In Italy there are many voluntary associations that help those who are in these conditions.
One of these is the Sant’Egidio community in Rome, founded in 1968 and which today has more than 70 offices around the world. Its main references are: prayer, the poor and peace. During the Christmas period, the association takes care of assisting the poor in the holidays by organizing the Christmas lunch and collecting gifts for the poor.
Another important solidarity association working in this area is Caritas. Founded in 1971, it has as its target the poor and the community. The operators of the association are to be considered as educators of charity. During the Christmas period, the association organises many initiatives in favor of the poorest. In the many locations present in many Italian cities, the Christmas lunch is organized thanks to the contribution of many volunteers.
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