DonateGive the gift of hope after the storm
As part of our year-end campaign, during these remaining weeks of 2024, I wanted to share with you some stories that have touched me from our partners around the world. I recently heard from Father Rafael in Italy, the Director of La Repubblica dei Ragazzi – the first program our founder created in 1945.
On the morning of October 25, a sudden and severe storm hit Civitavecchia, just west of Rome. This caused extensive damage throughout the city and at La Repubblica dei Ragazzi, our partner program in Italy. Thankfully, all of the children we serve are safe, but their facilities have suffered significant damage.
Due to heavy rainfall, a nearby stream overflowed, flooding the grounds and completely destroying the fencing and entry gate to the campus of La Repubblica dei Ragazzi. This damaged the electrical system and the water well that supplies essential water for sustaining their small farm were both damaged.
The flooding at La Repubblica dei Ragazzi has severely disrupted educational and vocational activities by damaging the farm’s essential water well, electrical system, and campus security infrastructure, making it impossible for the young people to work in the garden or care for animals. This not only undermines the program’s self-sufficiency but also imposes a financial burden and emotional toll on the community, potentially affecting the well-being and development of the vulnerable youth living at La Repubblica.
Additionally, the storm severely damaged the roof of the chapel, leading to significant water damage that compromised both the roof and the interior walls. The adjacent hall, decorated with a mural that represents the deep history and community at La Repubblica, was also affected. The water seeped through, damaging the mural and the structure itself—this very space once housed the first war orphans our founder welcomed in 1945.
This flood caused over $40,000 in damages to the home of the young people living at La Repubblica. For our children, these spaces are not only physical structures but symbols of safety and hope. With your generosity, A Chance In Life will be able to support the restoration of the town so many vulnerable children call home.
With your generosity, A Chance In Life will be able to support the restoration of the town so many vulnerable children call home. Please consider donating to A Chance In Life this holiday season to give the gift of hope to children in Italy and beyond. Every contribution this year-end, big or small, will be invaluable in helping address urgent needs like this one. Your generosity can restore hope in Italy, educate a young girl in Ethiopia, or give children in Peru a warm bed to sleep in.
We need your help to continue to illuminate and transform the lives of marginalized youth worldwide. Together, we can nurture a future where every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
Join us… Insieme, tutto è possibile. Together, everything is possible.
Grazie mille,
Gabriele Delmonaco
President/CEO
P.S. Your donation today will help rebuild not just the damaged facilities at La Repubblica dei Ragazzi, but also restore hope for the children who call it home. Give the gift of hope today!
Author
Gabriele Delmonaco
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