The Mercy of Alfero is a voluntary association that is part of the Misericordie Movement, founded in 1244 in Florence by Pietro da Verona, later Saint Peter Martyr. Today the Misericordie are present in Italy and abroad with over 700 Confraternities.
History
The Mercy of Alfero was founded in 1975 in memory of a dear friend who died in an accident at work. One year later they acquired the first ambulance, donated by the Mercy of Galeata.
The Mercy deals with social and health services and, in 2010, a small retirement home owned by the municipality of Verghereto was entrusted to them; its management had been refused by many because it was too small and not profitable at all.
Thus, to the daily services that the volunteers provide with ambulances (they have an agreement with the AUSL for inter-hospital transport), another service has been added for those who, in this historical moment, represent the truly poor, namely elderly and lonely people.
The area where the Mercy of Alfero is located is a mountain area of the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines; a territory that is becoming depopulated and where, before long, the social fabric will no longer hold. Most young people leave these places to pursue work and increasingly often find themselves living their lives far from their place of origin, leaving the villages inhabited only by elderly people.
The Mercy of Alfero, the third working reality of the Municipality (18 employees who serve on ambulances and in the home for the elderly), is committed to also offering work and therefore the possibility, for some young people, to remain in their territory of origin.
Another important service is the transport of people to appointments, which are carried out especially in Cesena, about 60 km from Alfero. Many elderly people would not be able to benefit from medical care because they do not have a driving license or because they would not know where to go once they arrived at the large hospital in Cesena.
In some way, the problem of depopulation also affects the Misericordia, which sees the number of volunteers decrease and the age of those who remain increase.
Activities
- AMBULANCE SERVICE
- RETIREMENT HOME
- HEALTH TRANSPORT SERVICES
Contacts
Via G. Leopardi 1 – 47028 Alfero (FC)
Tel. +39 0543 910466