Solidarity The summer campaign ends on the Restos du Cœur channel. Portraits of beneficiaries and volunteers who are expecting a difficult winter.
The little blond boy firmly holds the hand of his dad, a beneficiary of Restaurants du Cœur. He must be 5 or 6 years old. “She’s our little blonde angel!”underlines a volunteer with humanity. In the back room, Philippe is recording. “For this summer campaign which is ending, 73 families were helped”, specifies the retiree. “The winter campaign begins on November 18 and as the admission criteria are less strict, the number of beneficiaries will increase.”
Seniors in difficulty
In the room, around the welcome coffee, Brigitte, beneficiary, nods. This 61-year-old from Joinville has health problems. She is looking forward to retirement. Cyril is 60 years old. His disability file is currently being processed. This beneficiary from Pansey has been registered with Restos for five years. “This help allows me to bring variety to my diet,” he emphasizes. In fact, the gradual increase in the retirement age is plunging many seniors into poverty.
“When I’ve paid all the bills, there’s nothing left!”
And it's not better for the youngest. Marine is 32 years old. Two years ago, she returned to Joinville with her 12-year-old daughter. She has been a beneficiary for several months and receives €600 per month. “When I have paid all the bills, there is nothing left!” sighs the young mother. A couple follows. Jonathan and Jennifer are 38 and 32 years old respectively. They have three children, 17, 14 and 4 years old. They have been beneficiaries for a year following dismissal following illness. At the baby corner, a volunteer gives wipes to Cassandre, 23 years old. She lives in Charmes-la-Grande. She is a mother of three grandchildren: 3 years old, 2 years old and 3 months old. “Help from Restaurants saves me from buying diapers”highlights Haut-Marnaise.
Single-parent family
Philippe is retired. He has been a volunteer at the Restaurants for eleven years. “It’s like a duty”he explains. “The team is fluctuating but it is holding on!” The winter campaign will soon begin“The emphasis will be on single-parent families”, explains Nicole Margérard, head of the antenna. “Fresh products, fruits and vegetables will be given priority to children.” Again, should stewardship follow? And that's the big question mark this winter.
