“A small sign of solidarity to ensure that vulnerable people can make the best use of the Institute’s services without logistical limitations and with less waiting times”. With these words the association The Tree of Smiles ODV accompanied the donation to the INPS of an initial supply of 4 wheelchairs which will be available to the legal medical centers of Calabria.
“It is only a symbolic gesture but which, we are sure, will be useful in the daily work of the Calabrian CMLs. Even the availability of just one more wheelchair is important, because it can guarantee people with motor disabilities to avoid waiting for a free and immediately usable wheelchair for access to the clinic“, has explained Emilia Pietramalaemployee of the Institute and vice president of The Tree of Smiles. The association, based in Dipignano, was born in 2019 on the initiative of Emilia Pietramala and Giuseppe Veltri. The associative organization has as its aim the pursuit of social justice and peace, paying particular attention to the “Least” and with prevalent dedication towards people with disabilities. The tree, a symbol of bonds in the different phases of life, describes the family with its roots. It is no coincidence that it is the emblem of the association with its little leaves which metaphorically are the smiles of the members and users in an exchange of mutual “gift”.
The symbolic delivery of the first wheelchair took place on 12 June on the occasion of the meeting between the President of INPS, Gabriele Favaand the Director General, Valeria Vittimberga, with the staff of Calabria. A delivery greeted by the applause of all those present and by the words of the Calabria Regional Director, Giuseppe Grecowho wanted to underline the importance of associations such as L’Albero dei Sorrisi, “voluntary organizations that have put the person at the center of their mission and their daily actions of solidarity and support”.
“Having wanted to donate the wheelchairs to a public administration – added Greco – is a gesture that goes far beyond symbolism and becomes a full and true collaboration. For this reason I can only thank, on behalf of the entire Institute, Emilia Pietramala and her association for this beautiful example of solidarity.”.
Source: INPS Calabria Regional Directorate
