On Wednesday December 18, the Carcassonne branch of Secours populaire organized a day dedicated to the distribution of toys to disadvantaged children. 278 gifts were distributed in one afternoon.
The operation took place in two stages. If this Wednesday, December 18, the Carcassonne branch of Secours populaire was able to bring together around a hundred disadvantaged children at the Chez Flo restaurant to offer them toys in the run-up to Christmas, the collection took place beforehand. Last November 10 precisely during a solidarity concert produced in Palaja.
“We were contacted to be present as part of this charity event, recounted Virginie Belixpresident of the three Aude branches of Secours populaire. These are actions in which we participate regularly throughout the year. But this time the concept was in line with the end of year celebrations. To attend the show, you had to offer a toy as an entry fee.”
A winning concept since once the evening was over, the association found itself with 278 toys in total. “Faced with all this stock, we decided to organize an exceptional day to please the children in our care. To do this, we contacted the Chez Flo establishment. We had already organized events alongside them which went well every time.”
Essential preliminary preparation
Upon arriving on site, the interior was completely redecorated. Around ten children from the Delteil college choir in Limoux came to host the afternoon. A snack took place, followed by the distribution of gifts. Putting everything in place required a cost. To raise the necessary amount, Secours populaire formed a partnership with the Villaverde garden center as well as the Lions Club. A few days ago, an entire day was dedicated to fundraising: a tree purchased allowed Secours populaire to pocket one euro.
“We were able to hand over a check for €400 on December 18”presented the president of the Lions Club Carcassonne Terre d’Aude Suzanne Bezombes. “If we organize an event every year to help disadvantaged young people, this was the first time we did it in this form”specified Virginie Belix. In total, 198 children were able to receive the toys. All are supported year-round by Secours populaire and come from the Aude capital and surrounding areas. “This is just one operation among others in the run-up to Christmas, the president of the association wanted to clarify. On December 11, we organized a big meal for single people or couples.”
Finally, this Friday, December 20, Secours populaire went to the Jules Fil high school to receive a check for €280. A donation made thanks to the collaboration between the CVL (council of delegates for high school life) and the MDL (Maison des lycéens) who organized a Christmas market within the school grounds.
