(ANS - Rome) - As every year on Christmas Eve, Rai 2 (Italian television channel) transmits the Christmas Concert (21.00 - GMT + 1). This year the initiative is associated with a project called "Children of Lead" that aims to protect the physical and psychological health of children and young people in some villages on the outskirts of Lima and Mob in Peru. These are areas affected by violence, drugs and lead pollution. From 22 December there will be a special line (from Italy only)  for those who wish to make a donation. They can do so by sending a message to the number 45508.

The project of solidarity associated with this twelfth year of the Christmas Concert is the result of  deep collaboration during 2013 between the DON BOSCO IN THE WORLD Foundation and the Salesians in Peru.  Through the "Children of Lead" project they make it possible for children and young people who suffer from lead poisoning and are at risk socially to be educated to social and civic values and to justice.  They can attend cultural workshops where they  learn artistic expression. They also receive psychosocial support when they have problems of drugs and violence and can participate in training workshops for the development of their social and interpersonal skills.

The Salesians are also planning  specific activity to lower the level of lead contamination through the promotion of good hygiene practices, and also by countering the lead polliution  by creating green areas.

The Christmas Concert 2014, presented by Max Giusti, includes a very rich musical repertoire, the result of the commitment of numerous artists: Patti Smith, Alessandra Amoroso, Chiara, Imany, Renzo Arbone & the Sweet Water Jazz Band, DJ Bob Sinclar, Cece Rogers, Steve Edwards, Dolcenera, Mariella Nava, Daniele Ronda, Francesco Buzzurro, the Winx Winx Club Musical, Alice Mondia, the Every Praise Gospel Choir, Sugarpie & The Candymen and Sister Cristina. All of them are accompanied by the Universal  Rhythmic  Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Concert Maestro Renato Serio, together with Maestro Diego Basso, and with the choir of the "Voice Art Academy".

For more information on the "Children of Lead" project, visit the website of DON BOSCO IN THE WORLD Foundation.

Published 22/12/2014