How Allianz Italy and the UMANA MENTE Foundation transform the lives of people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth

The Foundation undertakes a variety of projects aimed at addressing different aspects of social inclusion. Among these, the Hol4All project stands out as a flagship initiative, providing inclusive and active holidays for young people with complex disabilities and their families.

The project allows families to recharge, connect, share responsibilities and experiences, fostering a sense of empowerment and community. Families often leave the program feeling renewed, supported, and inspired by the strength and solidarity they have gained together.

For families caring for children with serious conditions, holidays can often add to the emotional and logistical strain. However, when a dedicated team of doctors, psychologists, educators and restaurateurs come together to create a special holiday, magic happens.

The Hol4All project, conceived by the Allianz UMANA MENTE Foundation in 2021, aims to transform holidays into a source of relief and joy. Since its inception, about it has touched the lives of nearly 900 individuals, including 176 families and 184 individuals with disabilities or rare diseases, across picturesque locations such as, Courmayeur, Corvara in Badia, La Thuile, Elba Island, and Garlenda (Savona).

In September, 23 host families gathered in Madonna di Campiglio, a resort once graced by Princess Sissi herself and praised by Emperor Franz Joseph as "the most beautiful in his vast empire." This detail is not trivial; the project’s core idea is to offer beauty, organization, and a variety of enriching experiences for the whole family.

In the Dolomites, families enjoyed a range of activities: skiing, cycling, fire brigade simulations, swimming, and stargazing. Carefully curated to prioritize fun and self-confidence, these activities were conducted under the guidance of trained educators, psychologists, and medical professionals.

Nicola Corti, General Secretary of the Allianz UMANA MENTE Foundation, emphasizes the Foundation’s mission: "From our experience with families, we realized that they often forget holidays due to a lack of suitable facilities or financial constraints. Economic difficulty is the primary criterion by which we, in collaboration with various third sector organizations across Italy, select families for the Hol4All project. The stay is completely free; families only need to cover their travel expenses."

Most participating children have rare and often debilitating conditions. For example, a 16-year-old girl, living with paralysis since birth, found solace in this program, while her mother, who is raising two children as a single parent, received much-needed respite.

"It’s not just about providing a happy oasis for six days," continues Nicola Corti. "It’s also about allowing families, who often live in isolation and believe no one else faces similar challenges, to connect, share experiences, and form lasting friendships. We continue to support them even after the holidays, and we’ve discovered that some families meet up for pizza during the winter, while others plan vacations together the following summer."

Dr. Aurelia Rivarola, a renowned child neuropsychiatrist who pioneered Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Italy, plays a vital role in the project. She ensures the therapeutic support and equips families with tools like a “communicative passport” to enhance understanding and connection. Volunteers, including Allianz employees, receive specialized training to provide meaningful support throughout the program.

Lucia, a mother from Lodi, shares her experience: "This experience is unique; it brings a sense of family. Here, we don’t have to think about anything because someone is always there to take care of us. We feel welcomed and not different from the others - it’s like a breath of fresh air. This experience teaches me to carry this spirit into everyday life. Beyond the struggle, there are also joy, relationships, and the desire to laugh and play together." Her daughter Natalia, who uses a wheelchair, explored mountain trails with the help of a specialized wheelchair called the Joëlette, while Lucia and her husband reconnected during acrobatic yoga sessions.

Hol4All by Allianz UMANA MENTE Foundation is more than a holiday program—it’s an empowering initiative that provides families with an opportunity to recharge, connect, and create lasting memories in stunning locations. It continues to foster community and support long after the program ends, creating bonds that endure and inspire.

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