FONDAZIONE MILAN AND BANCO BPM STAND BY YOUNG MOTHERS IN NEED

As part of its Assist programme, which aims to contribute to generating a positive impact in communities through the power of sport, Fondazione Milan strengthens its commitment in partnership with Banco BPM to support organisations and initiatives in favour of vulnerable people and those at risk of marginalisation.

For the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the programme of activities for the 2022/23 season of Terre des Hommes Italia Onlus was presented yesterday at the Hub Spazio Indifesa provided by the Municipality of Milan in via Appennini. Thanks to such support, the activities will be aimed in particular at young mothers in difficulty.

Fondazione Milan and Banco BPM will specifically support the activities of a psychological help desk, a legal help desk and a work inclusion service promoted by Terre des Hommes and SAGA (Servizio di Accompagnamento alla Genitorialità in Adolescenza - Adolescent Parenting Support Service) at the San Paolo and San Carlo hospitals in Milan. Among the services regularly offered by the centre is a help desk in support of female victims of violence.

What makes the organisation unique in the city of Milan is also the presence, alongside the personal services, of the Neighbourhood Hub against food waste, opened in the summer of 2021 thanks to the contribution of the Fondazione Milan and integrated within the Food Policy promoted by the Municipality of Milan, as well as the winning entry of the Earthshot Prize 2021 awarded by the Royal Foundation. The Hub, which established itself as a point of reference during the Covid-19 health emergency, will continue its activity of weekly distribution of food and basic necessities to the most vulnerable members of the population.

The event was also attended by Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Milan, Giulia Pelucchi, president of City Hall 8, and Women's First Team players Laura Fusetti, Christy Grimshaw and Lindsey Thomas, who also visited the Hub Spazio Indifesa facility where the proposed activities will take place.

Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor of Milan, stated: "The City of Milan is committed to promoting healthy and accessible food for everyone living in the city. With this in mind, the Neighbourhood Hub against food waste of Gallaratese is fundamental for the area, helping to reduce food insecurity for those in vulnerable situations and offering various services for those who use it. The Hub's activities show how the administration's joint work with Third Sector organisations and private entities can have a positive impact, as well as the enormous potential of such work."

Rocco Giorgianni, Secretary General of Fondazione Milan, said: “For several years now, Fondazione Milan has been directing its projects towards supporting girls and young women, both in Italy and abroad. From education through sport to initiatives such as those carried out in the Spazio Indifesa. We are proud to be able to present this collaboration with Banco BPM, thanks to which we can continue our commitment to the city of Milan by supporting the services offered for young mothers in difficulty."

"We are proud to be alongside the Fondazione Milan in support of this project. We are convinced that the Hub can become a true help centre for the entire community in the area. Support and solidarity are part of Banco BPM's DNA, which has always considered proximity to the requirements of the areas in which it operates to be part of its identity. Supporting families and businesses also means taking care of our communities with social and inclusive actions, like the one presented today" - shared Matteo Cidda, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Banco BPM.

Paolo Ferrara, Director General of Terre des Hommes, added: "The Gallaratese Food Hub - Spazio Indifesa was born over a year ago with the ambition of becoming a place open to the public. It is also thanks to those who, like the Fondazione Milan, decided to support us right from the start that today the Spazio has enriched the range of its services. The distribution of food aid is now accompanied by personal services for vulnerable children and women, training courses and support for Ukrainian families fleeing the war. The strength of Spazio Indifesa is the network of associations that work together every day. We have no intention of stopping, on the contrary, we hope to continue and expand our partnerships such as the one with BPM to respond more and more effectively to the many needs in the neighbourhood, and in particular to support women and girls with actions to prevent and combat violence and gender discrimination."