Living Responsibly Together: 2024 initiatives!

Trench Italia and Croce Bianca

Resilience and Solidarity
united in a Concrete Gesture

Cairo Montenotte, December 16, 2024 

At the headquarters of Croce Bianca in Cairo Montenotte, a symbolic ceremony was held, celebrating the ability to emerge stronger after the severe flooding that caused significant damage in the area.

Volunteers, representatives from Croce Bianca and Trench Italia, as well as local government officials, attended the event. The initiative, marked by Trench Group’s donation to Croce Bianca, underscored the importance of solidarity between businesses and the community.

We were hit hard, and for a moment, we questioned whether we had a future. However, the immediate support from the Trench Group gave us the strength to move forward and come back stronger.

This support made us even more aware of our responsibility toward the territory. I thank our Global CEO, Dr. Bahadir Basdere, for his personal involvement: he visited us to understand how to help both us and the broader community.

Our shared goal is to recover stronger together.

Matteo Garra

Trench ITALIA, Managing Director

Speakers included

Dino Ardoino  opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech on the value of volunteerism and community support:

“We are here for the people and because of the people. Their closeness has given us and continues to give us the strength to move forward every day, especially in moments like these. Volunteerism is one of the pillars on which Italy relies, not only in emergencies but also in everyday activities.”

Stefano Brunetti reflected on the dramatic moments of the flood and ANPAS’s swift response:

“When we received the alert from the Cairo headquarters, the regional mobilization was immediate. This response is possible thanks to the strength of the ANPAS family, which serves communities daily.”

Paolo Lambertini highlighted the emotional nature of the event and the value of collaboration between volunteerism and businesses:

“Croce Bianca is a fundamental pillar of our community, and volunteerism is an indispensable resource. It is touching to see how a multinational company, seemingly distant from the interests of our territory, has immediately demonstrated its support. Despite the damage it suffered, Trench Italia has invested in both its recovery and community support. This is a testament to its deep connection to the area and its commitment to a greener future.”

Finally Maurizio Crepaldi reaffirmed the association’s courage and determination:

“We do not give up. Thanks to Trench, the municipal administration, and the citizens. We were afraid we wouldn’t make it, but today we are ready to invest in the future!”

A Symbolic Gesture for a Brighter Future

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a large poster at the entrance of Croce Bianca’s headquarters, displaying the global Trench Group slogan: “Living Responsibly Together for a Brighter Future! #ThePowerOfWe.” The initiative, launched across all Trench locations worldwide — from Italy to Germany, France, Bulgaria, China, and Canada — invited Trench employees globally to write messages of support for Croce Bianca, volunteerism, and the local community. This effort aimed to extend the sense of solidarity and resilience throughout the group.

Attendees at today’s ceremony were also invited to write messages on a replica of the poster displayed at the Croce Bianca headquarters.

Special thanks to volunteer Nello Peluso for capturing the event’s most significant moments through photography.

Croce Bianca of Cairo Montenotte

The Croce Bianca of Cairo Montenotte  is a powerful example of solidarity and commitment to community service. Rooted in the national network of ANPAS (National Association of Public Assistance), the association shares the values of mutual aid and social support that drive over 900 public assistance organizations throughout Italy. Operating within the local context, Croce Bianca stands out for its excellence in emergency healthcare services and urgent medical transport, always at the side of those in greatest need. As told by the President of the Association, Maurizio Crepaldi:
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“The structure is sustained by the work of 10 employees who ensure the daily management and by the incredible contribution of 80 volunteers, men and women aged 16 to 85. These volunteers represent an intergenerational community united by the goal of providing immediate and concrete help, offering their time and skills. Despite the challenges, such as the severe damage caused by recent catastrophic events that tested the headquarters and equipment, Croce Bianca received an outpouring of affection and support from the local community. This support has been a tangible testament to the value of their daily work: not only saving lives and providing healthcare, but also building a deep bond with the territory.

The Vice President of the Association, Riccardo Molinari:

To carry out its task and assist the community, the Croce Bianca of Cairo currently relies on a fleet of emergency vehicles, which includes emergency vans, 2 ambulances, 1 vehicle for routine transports, three 4×4 mixed vehicles for interventions in difficult conditions, and two vehicles for secondary emergencies. This totals 15 vehicles, demonstrating the Association’s capacity for intervention, which is crucial for the territory.

Fortunately, the recent catastrophic events did not damage the vehicles, but unfortunately, as shown in photos taken the night of the flood and the following days during the clearing and cleaning operations, the structural damage was significant, given the force of the water and mud wave (visible markings on the walls indicate the height the water reached). To date, the estimated damage amounts to approximately 100,000 euros, covering structural, systems, IT, and furniture damages.

The blow was hard, but we didn’t let it defeat us, unlike many other organizations affected by the October 26, 2024, events. We immediately got back on our feet and resumed our activities to help the population, once again demonstrating our commitment in the face of significant challenges. The President concludes:

We have received countless testimonies of solidarity and concrete support. Every intervention, every transport, every act of solidarity is the reward for tireless dedication that goes beyond emergencies. In addition to healthcare activities, Croce Bianca organizes first aid courses and awareness campaigns, educating the community and promoting prevention as a tool for collective safety. Supporting Croce Bianca of Cairo Montenotte, whether through volunteering or donations, means nourishing a reality that embodies the values of empathy, resilience, and community. Every contribution helps keep alive a spirit of solidarity that, day by day, makes the world a better place. The extraordinary contribution we received from the Trench Group will be a huge help, and it is a tangible sign of the bond that exists between the organizations operating in this territory, which have built significant relationships over the years. The fact that this contribution comes to us precisely at a time when Trench Italia, which is located not far from us, has also suffered substantial damage, is both a moving and powerful message. It means: Together, we can restart and come back even stronger.

Help us help others!

Do you wish to contribute and help Croce Bianca with a donation?

You can use the following bank details to make a transfer:

Purpose (please write in Italian): Oblazione Pro Croce Bianca Cairo per Alluvione
Account Holder: ODV PA Croce Bianca Cairo Montenotte

  • IBAN Allianz: IT07M0358901600010570940134
  • IBAN Bper: IT35W0538749331000047341191