Rome, August 24, 2014 [Luca Alfano / Adventist News Network / CD-EUDNews]. Adra Italy and the Italian SDA Youth Department have created a humanitarian summer event. It combines volunteering and holidays for 26 young people, thanks to the charm of Sardinia, a beautiful island in Italy.
26 volunteers, aged 18-35, got together from different parts of Italy on August 1-10, for a humanitarian project in the city of Olbia, which was hit by a disastrous flood in the winter of 2013. (eud.adventist.org/news).
The “mission” was very intense and dynamic, with days of social commitment and practical work alternated with moments of relaxation and rest, visiting the beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda.
It was nice to see the enthusiasm and the service with which these young people have dedicated their free time and vacation to help others, to be willing to adapt and change their plans as needed.
"When the gospel is manifested in the heart, God's will becomes action and Christianity is synonymous with love," said Pastor Daniele Passaretta, in charge of the program.
The volunteers took part in various activities during the ten days. One of the important accomplishments was the clearing, cleaning and tidying-up of the premises at Mary Rocca School, because nothing had been done since November 18: time had stopped on the day of the flood.
In three days the volunteers, armed with brooms, buckets and sponges, managed to restore the classrooms and make the floors of the school complex shine again.
During the following two days, the young people devoted their time to environmental cleanup at Tavolara Marine Reserve. They collected 48 garbage bags of various types of waste, picked up and carried by the current during the flood.
Later, the volunteers restored the gardens at the Olbia Mental Health Centre, and did home repairs for the elderly living in hardship or whose homes were damaged during the flood.
"Being able to give real and practical help to the city of Olbia, and bring all planned activities to a successful conclusion, was really nice," said Luca Alfano, one of the coordinators of Adra Italy.
Pastor Alessandro Roma, spiritual leader during the program in Olbia, highlighted the values such as humility, respect and justice, that characterize the "mission". The mission to which we are called, not only for this event in Olbia, but for every day of our lives.
The planning and executing of the volunteer project of ADRA Italy and the Youth Department of the Adventist Church was organized thanks to the support and cooperation of the city of Olbia, the Ministry of Youth and Environmental Authorities.
ADRA Italy is part of the international fundraising network to support the emergency response and reconstruction of the affected areas.
