The biggest gift any of us can give is one that makes a difference. Whether it’s a donation to an association, buying presents at a charity bazaar or volunteering our time in a meaningful way, make this Christmas time a happier one for those in need.
Charity sale
At The Florentine, we are delighted to lend our support to the Charity Sale at Art Store Momentum on December 11, 10am-7pm (sponsors include the Art & Space Gallery, Stile di Vita, the International School of Florence and the Hotel Lungarno). Choose jewellery handcrafted by international designers, original artwork and festive ceramics by Richard Ginori. All proceeds will go to the Marta Cappelli Foundation, which is set to open Casa Marta, a hospice for chronically sick children by the Meyer Children’s Hospital in 2019.
On November 29, at 7.30pm, the Marta Cappelli Foundation is hosting An Evening to Thank and Give at Cinema Odeon Firenze. Participation costs 110 euro. RSVP required to info@martacappelli.it or danielle@martacappelli.it.
Charity bazaars
AILO Christmas Bazaar
Now in its 43rd year, AILO’s Christmas Bazaar will be held in the new venue of the Tepidarium at the Giardino dell’Orticoltura on December 1 (3.30-7pm) and 2 (10.30-7pm). Start your gift buying—think crafts, cakes, books and vintage clothing—while giving back to local charities.
Italian Red Cross Christmas Market
The Italian Red Cross Christmas Market takes place from November 30 to December 2, 10am- 6.30pm (3-6.30pm on November 30) in borgo San Frediano 12 and lungarno Soderini 11. All monies will go to needy families in the Florence area. Expect vintage and designer labels as well as toys and jewellery.
Nataleperfile
Nataleperfile, the popular Christmas market at Palazzo Corsini, returns from November 30 to December 2, 10am-7pm. Check out the vintage room, food and wine corner, and vouchers donated by the best restaurants in the city. The Nataleperfile panettoni and pandori are lovingly wrapped by volunteers and always prove a treat for friends and family.
Four Seasons Florence Open Day
Every December, the Four Seasons Florence embraces the city with its Open Day. On December 16, 10am-4pm, your 1 euro door donation (entrance from via Gino Capponi 54, borgo Pinti 97 and piazzale Donatello 12) allows you a glimpse of luxury while making a difference: all monies will go to completing the children’s outdoor space at the Istituto degli Innocenti.
Charity concert
ATT, the Association Against Tumours in Tuscany, holds a Christmas concert on December 2 at 9.15pm in Florence’s Ognissanti Church (borgo Ognissanti, 42). Titled Light Up Your Light, the Light Gospel Choir will be conducted by Letizia Dei and star soloists Isaac Cates and Rosemary Cosby. Minimum donation: 15 euro. For more information and to book, contact Paola Neri at 335 6586211 or by email paola.neri@associazionetumoritoscana.it
Donations + volunteering
Angeli della Città
Angeli della Città is the non-party and non-denominational charity hands out food and clothing to the city’s homeless as well as doing monthly shopping for needy families in the Florence area. Make a donation: www.angelidellacittaonlus.wordpress.com. Or volunteer: angelifirenze@yahoo.it
Caritas Firenze
Caritas is the official arm of the Diocese of Florence for the promotion and coordination of charitable initiatives in the city, especially in terms of winter shelters for the homeless. To make a donation, see www.caritasfirenze.it. Volunteer by filling in the form online: www.theflr.net/caritasvolunteer.
British Institute of Florence
The British Institute of Florence celebrated its centenary in 2017 and continues its role as a bridge between cultures. A UK charity with no public funding since the 1920s, this institution depends on donations via JustGiving, post or in person. The BI is holding a Christmas Fair on December 7, with all monies going to the upkeep of the historic library. www.britishinstitute.it
International churches
English-speaking churches St. James and St. Mark’s receive no financial support and rely on the generosity of their supporters. Find out how to get involved and donate at www.stjames.it and www.stmarksitaly.com.
Adopt a pet
Orme Libere o.d.v. is a volunteer association that protects animals in and around Florence, whose principal aim is to organize successful pet adoptions. Learn more: FB Orme Libere Firenze.
Hospital volunteering
Put a smile on a patient’s face by giving your time to AVO Firenze, serving all of Florence’s hospitals, including Meyer, and several residential care homes. Volunteers receive full training before taking to the wards. Donations and further details: www.avofirenze.it
