OA Group delivers camper van to optician, Abruzzo earthquake victim

 The first stage of raising funds for the Abruzzo optician and earthquake victim has been concluded. OA Group delivered a camper van to associate Paolo Calcatelli, the first step for rebuilding his business. Although his house and outlet were destroyed in the earthquake, the optometrist decided to remain in his city: he volunteered to make his experience and professionalism available to all the other victims by taking part in the solidarity operation organized by Anfao, Federottica and the Roll of Optometrists, carry out free eye tests and supply eyeglasses to those affected by the disaster.

Testifying to the OA Group’s solidarity with Paolo Calcatelli, the fund raising event “let’s help Paolo” was promoted immediately after the catastrophe: associate opticians and clients donated to the current account opened for the purpose. The camper van was delivered to the Abruzzo optician by another associate who went to the area to offer support on behalf of the Group.

Thanks to the camper van, the optometrist no longer has to travel daily between Pescara (where he has temporary accommodations in a hotel) and L’Aquila. It will also be the operations base for storing products as well as a support point for appointments for those who need eyeglasses, contact lenses and solutions, until bureaucratic procedures allow him to renovate a new outlet. The old Ottica Carli outlet is no longer usable as it is on the third floor of an historical building in the center of the red zone guarded day and night by the fire department.

The collection of funds is ongoing and anyone can make donations to the special current account opened by the OA Group to help the optician to restart a business that is so important for the entire population of L’Aquila.