RocinhaXmas2020

For many families in Rocinha (the largest favela of South America), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil these months have been, and still are, very challenging, but the non-profit organisation IL SORRISO DEI MIEI BIMBI (My children’s smile), lead by my friend Barbara and her team, are supporting the children and their families (many adults are unemployed because of COVID-19) with food, products, masks and anything they can buy and deliver.

You can follow their work on their facebook page and see for yourself what an incredible work they are doing: https://www.facebook.com/IlSorrisodeimieiBimbi

I know this year has been challenging for all of us, but for the families of these children in particular. 

This Christmas, please help me raising funds for them. Big or small, it would be amazing if you could donate what you can. Even £1. It would be the best present ever.

And please (PLEASE, PLEASE!), if you are amongst my close friends  or family and planning to give me something for Christmas, I am begging to place whichever sum you can or feel like in this. I really do not need anything, this is the best gift you could give me.

You can donate via this Go Fund Me page, or via PayPal with at the address [email redacted].

Thank you so much for your support,

Annalisa



My story with the organisation:

IL SORRISO DEI MIEI BIMBI (independent, non-profit and non-religious) helps children of the favela Rocinha (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with programmes focusing on education and psychological help. It was founded the Barbara, a wonderful, inspired and dedicated woman who, together with the volunteers, teachers and psychologists, is making a big difference in the life of the children born in the challenging environment of the favela.

In December 2018 I met Barbara through a friend and I could personally see the organisation’s crucial work. Once she opens your eyes on how important the organisation is to the community and to the kids, it is difficult to forget. After an afternoon spent in the favela, I wanted to help. I have asked: “What do you need?”. Barbara said “Funds – for the teachers and the psychologists. And awareness”.

Well, I know I can raise awareness. This is how I pay my bills. I hope I can pay some of theirs, too. Plus, Brazil is giving me much joy through its culture, music and people, I want to give back. 

Funds…what I can give is small, but I know I have some friends who would be supportive of Barbara’s work, who know how education offers a chance to those who were born with little financial resources . Friends who would be happy to contribute to a good cause, if they were given the chance to, and who would be pleased to see that their contribution makes a real difference.