Like every year, the local association Table Ouverte offers everyone its Christmas meal. The 2024 edition was intended to be festive, gastronomic and invigorating.
The story of Open Table is like a Christmas TV movie. It begins when a woman from the city center begins to cook, for a homeless man who lived not far from her door, the foodstuffs that were given to him. Little by little, from cooking for one, she cooks for five, then ten. She can no longer do it alone, or at home: Table Ouverte became an association in 1992 and provides a free breakfast and a meal with starter, main course and dessert, served at the table for one euro, without requesting a file, without asking for a deposit. questions to any adult who comes to their door, Monday to Friday. Every day, more or less 100 people are served by a team of around eleven volunteers who take turns throughout the week to prepare, set the tables, serve, wash and clean.
On the menu for this year's Christmas meal: a plate of charcuterie, wild boar and baked potatoes, cheese and Yule log. Celebration required, this meal is free and is served in two courses.
A feature film of solidarity
The association makes its living from daily collections from local stores, but also from donations from individuals and organizations or service clubs, such as Rotary, which are committed to mutual aid. Indeed, you have to run the freezers, pay for electricity, water, vehicle fuel, etc. Despite the loyalty of team members, life or professional changes mean that the arrival of new volunteers is always necessary.
The story of Open Table looks like a Christmas TV movie. However, everyone would like there to be no more reasons for the length of the film. To join a team, you can go directly to the premises at 2 rue Réaumur, from 7:30 a.m. Monday to Friday.
Also read:
Narbonne: Rotary mobilizes for Open Table
