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“We have not succeeded in transmitting the culture of volunteering. For this reason we are closing our association.” A message that contains anger and also a bit of sadness from Stefano Corbizzi Fattori, president of Lida Firenze, forced to close the doors of the non-profit organization that was involved in the defense of animal rights in Florence. Present in the area since 2008, Lida also carried out volunteer activities for various kennels, SOS adoptions and food collection. All activities that will no longer be present today because, due to a lack of volunteers, the organization was forced to lower the shutters.
“In 2008 we had around fifty volunteers, while today we don’t even have ten – explains Stefano – Two fundamental figures are missing, namely the secretary and the treasurer, and no one wants to take on the burden of carrying out these two tasks. Unfortunately, the third sector reform has crushed us a bit from this point of view, because voluntary associations are compared to companies. Large associations, such as Oipa or Enpa, have paid staff, while small organizations like ours cannot afford it. This is why small associations like ours are disappearing.”
Little free time, but also a lack of sensitivity in helping others. According to the president of Lida Firenze, these are also the reasons that are keeping people away from the world of volunteering. “Unfortunately I have noticed in recent years that there is a lack of willingness to dedicate one’s free time to these activities. We are not targeting people who perhaps work all week, but a student or a pensioner could easily carry out these tasks. I also carry out voluntary activities at Humanitas in Scandicci, and I tell you that even in this case we are in difficulty, because there are fewer and fewer volunteers. And it’s a shame, because Tuscany has always had a great tradition in this respect”.
At the moment the few people who remained in Lida are organizing themselves to carry out volunteer work with other organisations. Stefano’s hope, however, despite the pessimism that pervades him, is still alive, like his desire to dedicate himself to others. “The closure is in progress, but nothing prevents us from reopening if between today and tomorrow we find two people who sacrifice themselves for the cause. In any case we will always find, even individually, a way to help our animal friends.”
