Milan has a strong aptitude for solidarity. Small and large associations, individuals and community have always gone out of their way for benefit of humanity. It is a river of generosity that has continued up until current times.
The city is testimony to the commitment of personages that have offered themselves in favour of the most needy people, from Don Carlo Gnocchi, who lovingly assisted children maimed during the Second World War, to Fratel Ettore who spent his life amongst the city’s neediest people, offering them shelter.
Right in Milan, projects of charity and the sharing of the needs of humanity, such as the collection of the Banco Alimentare, have represented for years an ongoing commitment that is open all those who wish to participate and make a personal contribution of time and resources.
Participation is exactly the common factor of those, young and old, who wish give back to the community. Solidarity is a wealth not only for those that receive it but also for those who give it. Through donating one’s time, new and innovative ways of participating in city life can be discovered.
The Municipality of Milan, according to the principle of subsidiarity, favours associations and individuals that contribute and offers itself as a point of reference for societies that wish to make a commitment to donating to charity. Solidarity is contagious and offers a new model for facing reality.
Milan’s international calling manifests itself in numerous and qualified aid projects for countries and peoples, even those far away. Through volunteer work, that avails itself to proven professionalism, the Milanese people can put to good use their renowned capacity for organisation and their spirit of compassion.
The grand project Expo 2015, Milan-Italia was born out of providing concrete assistance to developing countries. The Centre for Sustainable Development, that will be created through the Expo, proposed providing the world a meeting point in a global network for development.
The numerous initiatives connected to solidarity are a symbol of life and hope in the city. They are also encouragement to all those who find themselves in difficulty so that they might be set on a path that is easier to negotiate.
