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Emirates has partnered with AGEOP Ricerca, an independent association supporting children with cancer and their families since 1982, to provide encouragement and comfort to young patients in Bologna. The initiative involves distributing Emirates’ signature children’s backpacks, typically given on board flights to entertain young passengers, to children undergoing treatment for cancer.
The collaboration is part of Emirates’ broader effort to build lasting relationships and make a difference in the communities it serves. Flavio Ghiringhelli, Emirates’ Country Manager in Italy, stated: “We’ve long sought a project that would allow us to support the local community in a truly meaningful way. We’re especially proud this initiative is taking place in Bologna, where we are celebrating ten years since our first flight to the city. It reflects our deep roots here, and it’s a tangible way of showing the children and their families that they are not alone — that a global community stands with them, even from thousands of kilometres away.”
Francesca Testoni, General Director Ageop Ricerca said: “Each and every backpack that Emirates donates to our children and teenagers represents more than the object itself: it is a thought, a kind touch, a sign of attention and interest from those who live beyond the walls of paediatric oncology hospital. Receiving these backpacks during the summer period has a greater meaning, both for the patients and for us, the ones who take care of them. These are the months during which most people are thinking about their vacations, but paediatric cancer patients unfortunately never take one. There is less support and fewer donations in the summer months and so, knowing that someone is thinking about us and is supporting us, makes the loneliness more bearable. We are very thankful to Emirates who, with this initiative, has enabled us to keep directing our focus and efforts towards these programmes of care - which must not, and cannot ever stop.”
