On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the foundation that works tirelessly to aid the seriously ill and their families, the president of FILE (Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia), Livia Sanminiatelli Branca, gives insight into the origins of the charity as well as outlining the Florence Vintage Market held at Palazzo Corsini. The fashionable affair can be accessed from lungarno Corsini 8 from 11am to 6pm, on November 11-13, raising funds for the worthy cause. Vintage clothing donations are also welcome year-round at via San Niccolò 1.
This year, FILE celebrates 20 years of constant commitment. Will the edition be different this year?
We are very proud of this important milestone. Over 20 years of activity, we have taken care of 30,786 seriously ill people, totalling 136,656 visits and consultations, including psychological assistance for family members. It’s a mission that we continue with all our hearts, something that’s also reflected in our fundraising events, such as the Florence Vintage Market. The sixth edition will be unique, as with all our editions, because we will offer “new” items enriched by the donations from the many people who donate their vintage clothing. Given that this edition takes place in mid-November, we will also offer our famous Christmas panettone and pandoro, as well as raffle tickets for our Christmasperfile Market that has ten wonderful prizes.
How did the idea for a fundraising vintage market come about?
The idea came from a founding member who’s the current coordinator of our organizing committee, Cecilia Puccioni. She worked in fashion and is always attentive to new trends and especially to what people who wish to support charitable causes would appreciate, even through a simple gesture and a small donation. Vintage has been part of our fundraising since the beginning, given that it was combined with our usual Christmas Market, but it was only in 2018 that it became its own initiative that takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. It’s an event that we are able to achieve thanks to a large group of volunteers, without whom we would not be able to be so proactive in our initiatives.
Why is fundraising vital for the foundation?
Spontaneous and organized fundraising is the main resource for realizing our offering of qualified and free assistance in palliative care in the area. Without the financial resources coming from donations (through our fundraising events and campaigns), we would not be able to respond to the needs of those we assist and their families.
Over the five editions of the initiative carried out so far, what has the event achieved?
We have reached an ever-increasing number of people through word of mouth, expanding the network of benefactors who constantly contact us or come directly to our offices to unload their cars full of clothes and accessories for our Vintage Market. We’ve undoubtedly seen more and more visitors at each edition, giving us the chance to raise awareness about our work.
What can participants at this event enjoy?
Visitors will not only be able to enjoy the beautiful location of Palazzo Corsini on the lungarno, who are kindly hosting us, which will be open to the public for the occasion, but they will also be able to appreciate the spirit of the work of our volunteers, many of whom also offer care services. Visitors to Florence Vintage Market will undoubtedly appreciate the rich offering of vintage clothes and accessories!
