Coluche’s son came to greet the volunteers who are involved in this structure which welcomes 600 to 650 families.
Romain Colucci, the son of, arrived on tiptoe in the new premises of the Restos du coeur de l’agglomeration ruthénoise, in the Balquières district, in Onet-le-Château. A little because he was late, a lot because he doesn’t like to steal the spotlight from the volunteers of the association set up by his father. “Restos du coeur” created just to get through the winter but which will begin their fortieth campaign by being open all year round. A situation that does not make you smile. But it is clear that the presence of Romain Colucci gave the “smile”. This smile is claimed by Sébastien Viguier, the manager of the Ruthenian branch of Restos. “We must have it for our beneficiaries. Here we find a lot of solidarity and a lot of smiles.”
The installation in more functional and welcoming premises than those previously located on Avenue de la Gineste, greatly contributes to this. “We must welcome in premises worthy of the name, and the volunteers must be able to work in good conditions”, continues Sébastien Viguier. Moreover, the volunteers, “the industrial force” as Romain Colucci calls them, were numerous to have made the trip for this inauguration on Monday.
On this occasion, the departmental manager of Restaurants, Aline Rivière, was able to recall the importance of the involvement of these 70 people who regularly come to lend a hand in this premises open on Tuesdays and Fridays and which welcomes 600 to 650 families. Just as she welcomed the involvement of public authorities, starting with local councilors. Romain Colucci also paid attention to them. “It’s important to see that you don’t turn a blind eye. There is poverty among you too. Elsewhere, there are those who turn a blind eye.” In the same way, Coluche’s son, as he does wherever he goes, highlighted the generosity of the French. “I hope that this generosity will continue after the crisis,” he said, referring to the significant costs that restaurants must face. “No less than 330,000 euros, including 70,000 for Rodez, are necessary to cover operating costs this year…” explained Aline Rivière in substance.
Suffice to say that a “smile” is needed. And that’s what Romain Colucci came to bring to the volunteers. Who did not shy away from their pleasure of taking a photo with him. Just like the elected officials. Enough to give pep to these people who mobilize, winter and summer, to welcome in particular “people in temporary difficulty and who we can help”.
