TRENT. Martina Ferrari, 25 years old, she lives in Trento and works as a nurse in the emergency room in Bolzano. For three years she has been volunteering at White crossbut in his free time he also dedicates himself to running and long walks in the mountains in the company of friends. How many years has the White Cross Trento existed? How many volunteers are you?
The White Cross Trento has been active since 1976 with various services: emergency interventions in agreement with Trentino emergency, transport of people with difficulties and assistance during musical events, such as Poplar, and sporting events, such as those of the Trentina stable and Trentino Volley. We also organize first aid and emergency situations courses and collaborate with the Civil Protection. At Croce Bianca we are around 100 people, 10 as employees and 90 as volunteers, including doctors, nurses, rescuers and technicians.
How long have you been volunteering? How did it start?
I joined Croce Bianca three years ago because I was looking for an opportunity to create new friendships. And I chose the White Cross because a friend of mine had told me about it and I was struck by how much he underlined the sense of belonging to a group that existed in this association.
What exactly does it do?
Since it is my job, I play the role of nurse in the association’s activities.
What does it give you to spend your time on a completely free activity?
By dedicating my time to others, to those in difficulty, I feel like I am helping them feel better. Then it makes me feel good that these people express their appreciation to you, even if they are obviously not obliged to do so, because they are satisfied with the service we offer. I would also like to add that with volunteering you have the opportunity to meet many people and, also due to the type of activity, we are a point of reference for the community. Furthermore, by working closely with colleagues, I have created new and beautiful friendships.
Everyone’s lives are increasingly hectic: how do you find the time?
Usually in Croce Bianca the shifts are seven hours long and are in the morning or afternoon, unless we participate in events, which have different durations. Thanks to the fact that my job has variable shifts and the association carries out different activities, with a little organization I can combine the two things well. Then the White Cross tries to organize shifts to meet everyone’s needs, so everyone can reconcile their work with their volunteering activity.
Volunteering makes me happy because…
I help others and create friendships with those who share my same passion. Within our association, group cohesion is greatly promoted, in fact we often organize events with this aim.
Can you give us the contact details of your association for anyone interested in joining it?
Anyone wishing to join the White Cross can contact us on our Instagram profile (@croce_bianca_trento) or on our Facebook page. Then once a year, towards the end of September, we organize a presentation day for the association and on that occasion you can sign up for the training course.
