Mental health, 16 cities will light up green on World Day: “Everybody’s crazy about rice” the initiative of the Itaca project

MILANO – The initiative to illuminate the main Italian institutions and buildings in green, born from the appeal of the Fondazione Progetto Itaca ETS, has found the support of public bodies and administrations, the most important National Psychiatry Associations, and private realities, to express closeness to those who live with a mental disorder every day.

Tonight, October 10th. The symbolic places of the cities of Italy will light up green: the color of mental health. A visible and powerful sign of closeness and sharing with patients, families and associations to build a more aware and supportive society. “We are honored that the organizations and institutions have accepted our invitation to illuminate the city’s symbolic monuments in green on the occasion of World Mental Health Day” – says Felicia Giagnotti, president of Itaca Project Foundation – is the demonstration of greater awareness of the need for prevention and greater care towards people living with a mental disorder. This campaign is designed to be close to them, but also to the families who always remain the first point of reference and support for these people. We hope that many social profiles will also be tinged with green to remind us that when faced with a mental disorder no one can and must be left alone” – continues Giagnotti.

The 16 Italian cities. Who joined the awareness campaign “Turning the Green on Mental Health”:

1. BARI – Aldo Moro Square

2. BERGAMO – Porta di San Giacomo

3. BOLOGNA – Palazzo Podestà

4. BRESCIA – Palace of the Loggia

5. CATANZARO LAMEZIA – Norman Castle of Nicastro, Cathedral

6. FIRENZE – Historic Doors of Florence

7. GENOVA – Fountain in Piazza Ferrari

8. LECCE – Piazza Sant’Oronzo

9. MILANO -Palazzo della Regione, Palazzo Pirelli, Portanuova

10. CAMPOBASSO – Town Hall Building

11. NAPOLI – Neptune Fountain

12. PADOVA – Bell Tower – Town Hall

13. PALERMO – Teatro Massimo, Teatro Politeama

14. PARMA – Town Hall

15. RIMINI – Malatesta Fortress

16. TORINO – Mole Antonelliana (13 October)

The Ithaca Project. The tenth edition of “All Mad for the Riso”, the national public fundraising event to raise citizens’ awareness on the topic of mental health. Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October in 18 Italian cities, for a donation, it will be possible to receive a pack of rice and help support many people and families who ask for help from Progetto Itaca.

The 25 years of the Itaca Project. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the birth of Progetto Itaca – which occurs next October 29th – a special collaboration was born that combines art and social inclusion. Thanks to the creativity of the UltraBlu artists – a reality that promotes artistic and cultural activities generated by neurodivergence – a Latta d’Artista Limited Edition with a special and unique design dedicated specifically to Progetto Itaca. Every can and every kg of rice it contains represents the hope of living a full and dignified life, and concrete help to many people to be reborn from the disease they live with. The Artist’s Cans will be available at this link.

Everyone’s Crazy About Rice. It is one of the many activities promoted by Fondazione Progetto Itaca, which has been active for years to offer support, prevention and rehabilitation programs to those experiencing situations of mental distress and their families. In exchange for a donation, packs of fine Carnaroli rice and Ribe brown rice will be distributed, together with an exclusive recipe created by Chef Creator Lulù Gargari.

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October. You will be able to reach Progetto Itaca volunteers in the main squares of 18 cities throughout Italy, giving your support to the projects of the Foundation through a donation, following which you will be able to receive a 1kg pack of Carnaroli rice or wholemeal Ribe.