A historic, philanthropic event in Turin, Babbo Natale in FORMA takes place every year in the square in front of the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital (Turin) and involves residents in the biggest meeting of Father Christmases in Italy for hospitalised kids.
The event is in its 12th edition and, in recent years, has succeeded in gathering approximately 15,000 people with a red suit and white beard who created an unparalleled Christmas atmosphere.
The project
Every year, the Fondazione FORMA colours Piazza Polonia red to fundraise for projects to benefit the Hospital and its young patients. At the same time, it raises awareness among the population, conveying affection and warmth to hospital patients.
This year, the event will contribute to purchasing the 3 Tesla high-field MRI for Regina Margherita Hospital.
In addition, the festive energy and atmosphere of the meeting will warmly embrace all the Hospital's young patients. It will distract them from their journey that entails, among other things, observing very stringent distancing rules: closed games rooms, not being able to share spaces, and using personal protection equipment.
The beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries of the initiative are the children hospitalised at Regina Margherita, but also their parents who spend endless days between the walls of a hospital room.
Indirectly benefiting from the festive atmosphere are all the workers who are employed at the Hospital, dedicating their professionalism and energy to treating young patients, and the participants in the meeting.
Project name: Un Babbo Natale in FORMA
Proposing organisation: FORMA Foundation (nonprofit organisation)
Area of intervention: Health & Welfare