by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Giusy Battain, founder and director of ABC foundation
A local charity initiative is returning this winter with a simple request: donate the cost of a cup of coffee to support families of children undergoing surgery.
From November 2025 through February 2026, the seventh edition of Offri un Caffè Buonissimo (“Offer a Really Good Coffee”) will involve more than 170 cafés, shops, and companies across Trieste. The campaign, created by ABC Bambini Chirurgici and supported by Confcommercio Trieste, FIPE Trieste, and several local coffee organizations, raises funds for housing and support services for families whose children are treated at the Burlo Garofolo pediatric hospital.
This year’s donations will help renovate three new apartments recently acquired by ABC on Via dell’Istria, expanding the association’s capacity to provide free lodging. The need for accommodation has grown sharply: from January to October 2025, ABC hosted 225 families for a total of 1,340 nights, a 52 percent increase from the previous year.
For many families, the availability of housing influences medical decisions. A study conducted with the University of Trieste found that 60 percent chose to seek treatment in the city because of ABC’s support network.
Since its launch in 2018, the coffee campaign has assisted more than 160 families. Participants can donate by leaving the price of a coffee in designated boxes at participating cafés or by contributing online.
