Cesena, August 18, 2026 – The appointment is in the heart of the night. At 4 AM Cesena sleeps, the streets are deserted and the temperature is finally almost cool. Everything is off, except for the Avis sign at Case Missiroli, inside which for an hour people have been working to collect blood and plasma donations under the stars, in a one-of-a-kind initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of the topic and at the same time keep the number of collected bags high even in the heart of summer, when the population – and its needs – increase significantly thanks to tourist flows and seasonal workers.
All night seats fully booked
“The response was excellent – comments president Gualtiero Giunchi – since we filled all 33 seats that we had made available between 3 and 7 in the morning. After that, we don’t stop, because from 7 the routine activity that accompanies us every morning begins.”
The aim is to raise awareness and attract new donors, but also to retain those already active, especially regarding the importance of respecting commitments made: “About 10% of those who book a donation – explains Giunchi – do not show up at the clinic. It is a significant number, which fortunately we manage to compensate for given the many donors who support us, but it must be reduced. We are self-sufficient in terms of whole blood bags and regarding plasma we come from a record collection year worth an increase of almost 20% compared to previous months. But we must not let our guard down.”
The pianist playing in the next room and the special breakfast
So first the donation, accompanied by the music of pianist Alberto Fattori who plays in the next room to keep company and chase away the yawns of those present, then a special breakfast for night owls, including flatbreads, mini pizzas, cream-filled doughnuts and even pork cracklings. Recognizing, however, that pork cracklings in the heart of a summer night are for the brave.
The smile of those who know they did the right thing
As the clock hands move, some come and some go: the audience is large and diverse, men and women, young and veterans. Steve Piliero wanted to give himself a new experience for a good cause, combining the charm of the proposal with the responsibility of making a concrete gesture in support of the community; Marco Vecchiotti instead is a familiar face for 28 years and now feels at home, also given the courtesy combined with the professionalism of an entire team that warmly and enthusiastically welcomes everyone who arrives. Starting from the medical examination phase, handled by Vittoria Vecchiotti: “The attention and sense of responsibility of donors are high – she comments – as well as the scrupulous respect of the rules to be followed before coming to donate. The more sensitive nerves concern the intake of medications in the days immediately preceding the appointment and, for young people, recently made tattoos after which a suspension period is required.”
In the clinic and in the refreshment room many already know each other, expect each other, chat and let time pass, because with the night approaching dawn in the week after Ferragosto, the routine offers discounts worth taking advantage of. With the smile of those who know they did the right thing: the city about to wake up will open its eyes strong with 33 new – priceless – gifts.
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