“We asked citizens to pay the utilities of those who cannot”
Florence alongside its citizens. The initiative “Adopt a bill»To fight against expensive energy. An unsustainable problem that could plunge those many elderly people who struggle to make it to the end of the month. The councilor for education and welfare, Sara Funaro, launched the fundraiser involving its citizens and in a few hours it was a success.
Councilor how the idea of the initiative was born «Adopt a bill“?
«Florence was immediately close to the problem of expensive bills. A problem that is becoming more and more unsustainable and that the Municipality has taken to heart. An initiative that is aimed at the weakest people: the elderly. An increase in their bills could be fatal for them. What can happen to an elderly person who already has a tight budget and finds himself with skyrocketing bills? ».
Great question, especially in a city of seniors …
“Exactly. Florence is one of the oldest cities in Italy. We are talking about over 96 thousand people over 65. If we then turn to the over 80, who begin to be in the frailty range, the numbers exceed 35 thousand. And of these, a third lives alone. Higher utility bills could be fatal for many and bring them under the poverty line. We cannot allow a collapse of thousands of people. We immediately thought about the situation of fragility par excellence ».
And what is it specifically about?
«It is a solidarity initiative that the municipality of Florence is promoting together with the Montedomini Foundation. We ask Florentines to donate, based on their availability, to other Florentines. The most exposed to the increase in bills ».
And the response was surprising
«Yes, Florence is unique. The official initiative has not started yet. But, once the news spread, there were many donations to the Foundation’s Iban. Florence has moved and continue to do so for the thriving. And this thing can only make us proud. We are proud of our city and our citizens. Florence has always been very attentive and sensitive ».
Last updated: Wednesday 16 February 2022, 09:09
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