The Italian Alpine Club (CAI), with its central organs and its peripheral structures spread throughout the territory (over 800), has always promoted the spread of alpinism and the high human values, under the banner of one inclusive and participatory spirit, through widespread activities in the areas of interest of the practice.

The exceptional situation consequent to the pandemic in progress obviously precluded many of the practical activities normally carried out and promoted by the Italian Alpine Club for the diffusion and practice of alpinism (our hashtag was #Themountainsknowhowtowait), but it has not interrupted the promotional activity of the same and the values it brings; solidarity, civic sense, respect for the uses and customs of the high lands, protection of the mountain environment.

Many of our sections, as well as the headquarters, have been activated by promoting publications, meetings and online conferences for the community on various topics related to the world of the mountains, from climate change to the biodiversity of the high lands, from the history of alpinism to the world of large carnivores.

Aware, however, that, if it is true that “the mountains know how to wait” the same cannot be said for those in need of assistance, especially in the days of forced isolation to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Italian Alpine Club wanted to make a concrete gesture of solidarity by allocating half a million euros to support home care for those who need it most throughout the country.

Starting with the elderly, the sick and the disabled, 500,000 euros were used for the purchase of 50 Fiat Panda cars which were donated and made available to ANPAS public assistance throughout the country, in particular the mountain area, to reach and help those in difficulty.

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