At the solidarity dinner organized by Solletico ODV, “Il Sentiero dei Piccoli Eroi” was presented, the humanization project of the department directed by prof. Roberto Chimenz. Reservations closed and over 150 participants: “An evening for little heroes” was held on Tuesday 1 September, the solidarity dinner promoted by the Tickling Volunteer Association ODV in support of the humanisation of the Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis department of the AOU Policlinico “G. Martino” in Messina. During the evening, “The Path of the Little Heroes” was illustrated in detail, the project that Solletico is carrying out for the department: a permanent artistic installation that transforms the clinic, hospitalization and dialysis into a continuous visual journey, built around the figure of a young lion – symbol of the city – which accompanies the child throughout the different phases of the treatment.
An intervention designed to reduce the emotional impact of entering the department and make a therapeutic path which, for these patients, is often long, more understandable and sustainable. Public resources cover the treatments, not the hospitality of the environments in which they are administered: this is where the association’s choice to finance the intervention with fundraising comes from. The evening took place at the Ciauru di Mare restaurant, with a dinner based on traditional specialties, live musical accompaniment by the group La Stanza della Nonna, with their own songs and those of Italian singer-songwriters, and beer offered by the Sikania Brewery. The proceeds of the evening, net of organization costs, will be entirely allocated to the realization of the project. Participation grew by word of mouth, bringing even people who didn’t know the association to the evening. This is the effect that Solletico considers destined to last longer than the evening itself: the proceeds finance part of the project, while those who encountered the volunteers’ work yesterday for the first time can continue to follow it and take an active part in it. During the presentation, the fundamental contribution of people, companies and professionals who in recent months have supported the project in many different forms was highlighted, lending their time, skills, spaces, services and their voice. The Association thanks the sponsors who made the evening possible, the volunteers, an active part of the event and their daily presence in the ward, who took care of the organization and all the people who chose to participate. The process, however, is not over: the intervention still requires resources and participation remains open to anyone who wishes to contribute.
How to support the project
Donations can be made by bank transfer to IBAN IT46 C050 3416 5000 0000 0004 764, made out to Solletico Alleanza Di Volontariat. It is also possible to allocate the 5×1000 by indicating the tax code 97130460831.
Tickling ODV
Voluntary association active in Messina, since 2019 it has been present in the pediatric departments of the AOU Policlinico “G. Martino” in support of hospitalized children and their families, with volunteer activities in the ward, initiatives in the area and projects for the humanization of treatment spaces.