Alpini solidarity · Friuli 1976–2026
The “Friuli thanks you and does not forget” T-shirt raised €12,000 for a multisensory room supporting children and young people with autism in Arta Terme.
A T-shirt created to remember the 1976 Friuli earthquake has become practical support for children and young people with autism. The initiative promoted by “Io sono figlia di alpini” o.d.v. raised €12,000, which was presented to the “Il Bruco e la Farfalla” association in Cedarchis, in the municipality of Arta Terme.
The result was reported on 6 October 2026 by L’Alpino, the official publication of the Associazione Nazionale Alpini.
A T-shirt created to remember the 1976 earthquake
The “Il Friuli ringrazia e non dimentica” T-shirt — “Friuli thanks you and does not forget” — was created for the fiftieth anniversary of the earthquake that struck Friuli on 6 May 1976. Its message brings together gratitude towards those who helped the affected communities and remembrance of a tragedy that also profoundly shaped the history of the ANA and its Civil Protection organisation.
More than 1,200 T-shirts at the Triveneto gathering
The initiative reached an important stage at the Triveneto gathering in Gemona, where more than 1,200 T-shirts were distributed. This participation helped the campaign reach its new total of €12,000.
The achievement is more than a financial result. A historical anniversary became an opportunity for participation, while a symbol of remembrance was transformed into a practical act of solidarity.
The donation to “Il Bruco e la Farfalla”
The funds were presented to the “Il Bruco e la Farfalla” association in Cedarchis, Arta Terme, in the province of Udine.
A space for children and young people with autism
According to L’Alpino, the donation will make it possible to create a multisensory room for activities involving children and young people with autism and will help the association maintain continuity in its services.
This is the central point of the story: the memory of Friuli does not remain confined to a commemoration, but generates tangible support for people and families today.
When remembrance becomes service
The bond between Friuli and the Alpini spans fifty years. After the 1976 earthquake, thousands of volunteers took part in relief and reconstruction work. That experience also contributed to the development of the ANA’s organised Civil Protection activities.
The Alpini Group of Salce website has already recalled that chapter in its article Friuli Earthquake 1976: Fifty Years On, a Thank You to the Alpini and in the issues of Col Maòr published after the earthquake. The new initiative adds a contemporary chapter: remembering can also mean caring for present-day needs.
The Alpini Group of Salce is not named as a promoter of or participant in the fundraising initiative, and no role is attributed to it. The value of the story lies in the example it offers: remembrance, participation and solidarity can continue to work together.
Sources and related reading
The source of the report is L’Alpino: article of 6 October 2026 (in Italian). Any future information about the multisensory room should be taken from communications issued by the organisations involved.
