“Red Cross or Golden Cross?”, this title was chosen by Riccardo Bonacina, founder and then director of VITA for the first issue of the then weekly dated 27 October 1994. Thus the summary: «Every year it receives one thousand billion from public bodies, but it makes citizens pay for services. It can count on 40 thousand splendid volunteers, but is criticized by all the voluntary associations. On the hot fronts of the world it shines for its delay.” The truth-investigation on the Italian Red Cross covered pages 4,5,6 and 7. It was signed by Mirella Pennisi.
In those years, let’s remember, the CRI was a public body. It was until 2012. When finally the legislative decree of 28 September 2012, n. 178 “Reorganization of the Italian Association of the Red Cross pursuant to article 2 of law 4 November 2010, n. 183 radically changed the Italian Association of the Red Cross, transforming it from a public body to a non-profit private law body, thus changing not only its legal personality but also its operations in certain sectors.
But let’s go back to VITA’s investigation. Pennisi’s opening piece was not lacking in clarity right from the title: “Red Cross of shame? You are because you are looking for an answer.” And so on, the six key questions:
- Is it true that he takes a trillion a year from public bodies? Yes…
- Is it true that ambulance rides are paid for? Yes…
- Is it true that he is outlawed and enjoys privileges? Yes…
- It’s true that it’s under investigation, but does everyone want it public? Yes…
- Is it true that the 40 thousand splendid volunteers are poorly employed? Yes…
- Is it true that the Italian Red Cross is unique in the world? Yes…
Each question introduced an affirmative answer argued with the author’s investigation. Pennisi also interviewed an employee, Paolo Lapponi, who courageously declared that in the Cro “we move forward by hand” and “the problem is the old managers”. The four pages ended with a documented focus on the “bills in the pockets of ambulances”.
Today we know how it went: the Italian Red Cross is to all intents and purposes a third sector entity, like the Public Assistance of Anpas and the Misericordie. And it constitutes a precious pool of volunteering, civil commitment and social training school for many boys and girls. We no longer hear about controversies and scandals. In short: the first issue of VITA was right.
