Solidarity Prank- An Experience Report

Introduction: The period of entry into higher education generates uncertainties and apprehensions among various students. In this manner, the Community Aid Group of the Medicine course at Padre Albino University Center annually promotes the campaign called "Solidarity Prank." This event brings together freshmen and senior students of the course in a welcoming manner, working towards a common goal: the collection of food donations for vulnerable families in the city of Catanduva, SP. The campaign collects non-perishable foods, clothes, shoes, toys, books, educational materials, and hygiene items to assemble basic baskets, while also encouraging blood and hair donation among participants. Objectives: The primary goal is to facilitate the reception and integration of course students, fostering healthy and harmonious relationships with mutual cooperation and solidarity among participants. Furthermore, the campaign aims to gather food and other items to support individuals in need and philanthropic institutions. Thus, the transition of freshmen into university life becomes an integrative and socially supportive action. Methods: The campaign is based on dividing students into "teams," each of which receives a city map with marked streets where they will collect donations. This approach encourages participants to exchange experiences and collect donations from homes and businesses across the city. Later, all students gather to count the donations and assemble the basic baskets. These baskets are then distributed to vulnerable families based on a list provided by Family Health Units and to philanthropic institutions. Additionally, collected clothes and shoes are directed to the Padre Albino Foundation. Finally, snacks are distributed to children and residents of a housing complex in the city. Results: This campaign facilitated greater integration among newly arrived college students and provided support to numerous families in precarious situations according to their needs. Consequently, entering the first year of the medicine course and participating in the Community Aid Group offered a humane and welcoming perspective towards the population of Catanduva. This not only included providing basic necessities but also empathy and dedication. Conclusion: The challenges faced by individuals, the lack of economic and social resources, and insufficient food for many families are significant issues affecting a substantial portion of society. In light of this reality, the Community Aid Group, through this campaign, focuses its attention on Catanduva's vulnerable residents, seeking to alleviate their hardships to some extent through the obtained donations. Additionally, the campaign allows incoming medical students to connect with the goal of making a difference in another human being's life. This process helps humanize future medical professionals right from their first year of study