Target achieved, and indeed exceeded. The milestone for the ambitious project proposed this year by La Zebra ODV, the official charity of the 1000 Miglia 2026, has been comfortably surpassed, meaning that the first crucial step towards “Zebra_Spazio Famiglia” has been taken.
For many years now, the most beautiful race in the world has also been championing solidarity through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, aimed at generating value for the local community. Since 2018, 1000 Miglia Srl and the Automobile Club of Brescia have in fact launched the 1000 Miglia Charity project, a structured commitment to providing tangible support to the community. In this vein, and in light of last year’s success, the partnership with La Zebra has returned for the 2026 edition in support of the Brescia Children’s Hospital – ASST Spedali Civili.
THE PROJECT
“Zebra_Spazio Famiglia” is an innovative concept aimed at providing a welcoming space for the families of children undergoing long-term hospitalisation. Every year, hundreds of young people face long and complex hospital stays. Behind every bed lies the story of a young person who is fighting, hoping and coming to terms with the fragility of their health. But there is also another silent yet fundamental protagonist: the family.
For those forced to stay in hospital for weeks or months, the bond with their loved ones becomes a source of strength, courage and peace of mind. Emotional closeness helps to overcome fear, give meaning to each day and ensure they do not feel alone. Yet, hospital spaces are not always designed to accommodate families as well.
The first step will be a nursery dedicated to the brothers and sisters of hospitalised children. This will be the first service to be set up because it addresses an often-overlooked need: to offer brothers and sisters a safe, stimulating and peaceful place whilst their loved one is in hospital. Giving them the chance to stay together even during the most difficult times can truly change the way they cope with the illness.
The creation of this space will be the result of a fruitful collaboration with the hospital, architects, engineers and designers who are offering their expertise free of charge, partners who are working to expand the network to other donors, and above all the families who have shared their experiences and needs.
“Zebra_Spazio Famiglia” is now taking the decisive step towards its actual realisation: the target of 500,000 Euro initially set as the minimum required to start construction has officially been exceeded.
Funds carried over from La Zebra’s previous project, carried out as part of the 1000 Miglia Charity 2025, have been crucial. This important foundation has been bolstered by the success of the initiatives promoted by the Association in recent months, including the hugely popular Zebra Run, the special Charity Dinner on 4 June and numerous other charitable activities.
“Seeing the figure exceed 500,000 Euro is incredibly moving and a tangible sign that our community firmly believes in the value of the ‘Zebra_Spazio Famiglia’ project,” commented the Association’s representatives. “Every single run, every donation and every person who attended our events has brought us this far.”
The second phase will involve the vertical and horizontal expansion of the facility, with the addition of spaces dedicated to the wellbeing of patients and their families. It is a modular project that grows in line with needs and available resources. Fundraising, therefore, continues.
NEXT STEPS
With the necessary funds now secured, the process enters a new phase.
The administrative phase: the final administrative procedures are currently being finalised. This process will require a few more months’ wait before we see the work actually getting under way.
Fundraising continues: the start of construction is the first major step, but not the last. For this reason, La Zebra ODV’s fundraising activities will not stop, so as to ensure that the costs of completing and fitting out the facility are fully covered.
The La Zebra ODV Association would like to thank once again its partners, volunteers and all its supporters who are making it possible to create a place that will serve as a vital point of reference and support for so many families going through difficult and sensitive times.
