the essential
To meet the needs of the most isolated people in Ariège, the departmental branch of Restos du Cœur launched a traveling center at the same time as the winter campaign. Presentation of this truck which allows the association to get closer to everyone.
576,000 meals were distributed by the Restos du Cœur in Ariège in 2024. In total, more than 4,000 people are welcomed by the association's 285 volunteers through the 13 Ariège structures.
Among the distribution centers, one of them is a little special and has just been launched at the end of 2024. Since November 18, a traveling Restos du Cœur center has been operating in areas without a physical presence of the association. “It’s true that there are holes in the racket regarding our distribution across the territory,” explains Jean-Pierre, in charge of the traveling center and a volunteer for a year and a half. “When we go there, we realize that there are people who are isolated and who could not access the Restos du Cœur.”
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The truck serves four isolated communities
In just over a month of use, the mobile center has helped 82 people, including 38 families, and distributed more than 500 meals. On the road twice a week, to go to Quié and Vicdessos then to Bordes-les-Lez and Soueix-Rogalle, the truck parks in the village square. The driver, who travels alone or accompanied by a volunteer, is joined on site by other volunteers from the association created by Coluche in 1985. “On the first day, in Quié, there was a person who told me said: 'It's good, because gas to get to Foix is expensive.' This shows our usefulness,” comments the volunteer.
DDM D.S.
This Thursday, January 2, 2025, during the visit of MP Martine Froger and the prefect of Ariège, Simon Bertoux, to the departmental headquarters of Restos du Cœur in Varilhes, the 68-year-old volunteer took the opportunity to present his truck. With the screen deployed, he explains: “The rear of the truck is completely fitted out and respects the same order as in the distribution centers.”
Once the side door is opened, a freezer and a fridge are placed opposite, and two shelves are placed on each side of the truck. “The first time I drove it, I forgot to lock the fridge and freezer. At the first turn, everything fell out, scattered around the truck,” smiles Jean-Pierre as he recounts this anecdote. Since then, before even starting the engine, he instinctively thinks of turning the key at the top of the two refrigerators.
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“We still lack arms”
Taking advantage of the arrival of Martine Froger and Simon Bertoux, Pascale Mena, deputy departmental manager, took stock and recalled the importance of volunteers on a daily basis. “We have 285 volunteers, but we are still short of hands.” During this 40th Restos du Cœur campaign, the 4,000 people welcomed in Ariège receive six meals per week from November to March [l’intégralité des repas d’une semaine est distribuée aux enfants, NDLR].
“If we had 20 or 30 more regular volunteers, the situation would be simpler. At the traveling center alone, we would need around ten more volunteers. We are also missing people in positions of responsibility,” indicates the Ariège manager, who also notes a difficulty in welcoming active volunteers. “More than 90% of our volunteers are retired. Our opening hours do not allow younger people to join us or at least to be regularly present to help.”
A lack of volunteers, but a winter campaign still more pleasant for the members of the Restos du Cœur de l'Ariège. “Last year, because of the restrictions, we had to say no to families in need. For us, it’s heartbreaking and fortunately, that’s not the case this year.”
