Eyes light up with an enchanted glow as the petits fours approach, Tuesday, December 24. Regulars know the quality of the meal organized every Christmas by Secours catholique (1) for fourteen years. Others have the pleasant surprise of discovering new flavors.
“I don’t even know where to start,” smiles a young man, who came with the Utopia 56 association – an association helping refugees and foreigners in an irregular situation. Without this solidarity initiative, nothing assured him of having a hot meal on Christmas Eve: “Everything is very good. It feels good. »
Fight against isolation and loneliness
For several years, the Ockeghem courtyard on Place Châteauneuf in Tours (Indre-et-Loire) has hosted this festive event. In total, nearly 300 place settings were installed this year. “Initially, the meal was intended for street people, but it has expanded to include isolated people over the years”explains Brigitte Bécard, volunteer at Secours catholique.
” Everything is fine ? Are you missing anything? »the volunteers asked their radiant-looking guests, despite the persistent rain. “It’s magnificent what they do. It's beautiful to devote so much time to others, even on Christmas Eve,” says a retiree, her eyes shining.
All generations and all social backgrounds mingle around long tables covered with large red tablecloths, while an improvised orchestra performs Christmas songs. “I come every year. This is an important moment for me. I know I won't spend Christmas alone.” confides a man in his fifties, of no fixed address.
(1) With the support of La Barque, the Red Cross, the City of Tours and the CCAS.
