With 30 million additional meals distributed between 2022 and 2023 nationally, the situation is becoming critical for the association. “Gospel was originally a slave song that became a music ode to freedom and hope” declares Sophy Fourel president of the Gospel’Art association. She adds “gospel is not just a religious song, it is above all a unifying music, a protective entity”. In this sense, organizing a gospel concert for fundraising at the Restos du coeur was an obvious choice for the president of the association who is also a volunteer at the Restos.
“The opportunity to create social bonds between people”
The Avignon Choir is directed by Jua Amir, ex-candidate for season 1 of the Voice, he has also sung or coached for several musicals including The Lion King, Hair and Adam and Eve. Gospel’Art was created in 2007, it is a secular choir bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
“The beneficiaries will also be able to come in the evening, it is an opportunity to create social bonds between people” says Sophy Fourel. The doors will open at 7 p.m., drinks and cakes will be served by the association’s volunteers. The Thor auditorium can accommodate 590 people. Tickets are sold at 12 euros and are free for children under twelve years old. The Vaucluse Departmental Council supports this demonstration of solidarity.
It is possible to reserve via direct ticket sales in the Restaurant centers or via the internet on the HelloAsso.com payment site or by scanning the QR code on the poster. Spectators choosing this last method of payment will be able to obtain a receipt via the site which they must present at the entrance.
“More than ever we are counting on the public”
The Gospel’Art concert is planned as part of a fundraiser. Jean Vienne, president of Restos du Vaucluse, draws up an alarming observation. “Things are going badly, the number of meals distributed has exploded, the association itself is faced with rising food prices, while its resources are becoming insufficient to continue its missions.” And to add, “more than ever we are counting on the public”.
A report confirmed by Sophy Fourel, a volunteer in the association. “Solidarity is becoming imperative, the Resto du coeur needs to carry out fundraising campaigns, there are mothers who cannot feed their children!” The Vaucluse branch of the organization feeds more than “8,000 people and more than 200 babies every week”.
Les Restos, founded by the comedian Coluche in 1985, provides the public with multiple forms of assistance ranging from accommodation to educational support. Between 2022 and 2023 while its beneficiaries suffer from the effects of inflation, its annual food distributions have increased by 20%.
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