Rodez. “This year again, Aveyron will fulfill its contract”

Almost everywhere across the department, for an evening or more, energies and good will come together for a good cause. Friday, November 29, the activities organized for the Telethon begin, even if the launch in Laguiole, as originally planned, will ultimately not take place. “And we are certain that Aveyron, this year again, will fulfill its contract”rejoices Michel Allot, the departmental president of the association.

“We have already signed a little over 160 contracts, we will reach 170 very soon for just as many events”he continues.

And the Aveyronnais are known for their great generosity. “Proportionally to the number of inhabitants, we are the leading department in France in terms of donations, assure Michel Allot. On average, Aveyron residents give around fifty euros, compared to just over twenty nationally. It's not an end in itself but it also shows everyone's involvement in this event.” and this in all territories, with a surge in donations in rural areas. To Martiel for example, “a play is performed by the inhabitants of the village. And this evening brings everyone together and each year, more than €10,000 is raised thanks to the meal which is organized nearby. And we have many examples of the same kind in Aveyron.alongside the traditional quines and raffles, associations which mobilize, firefighters who open their fire stations for a day.

Cancers being cured

“Many municipalities are playing the game, not to mention all the associations which are taking advantage of the opportunity to organize a festive moment where everyone can get together.”

On average, nearly €600,000 is raised each year in the department to finance research.

“ Some cancers are being cured, and great advances have been made in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophyassure Michel Allot. It's decades of effort, but it's possible thanks to research funding. When the association was created in 1987, things were simply asked by the parents of sick children. The simplicity of our thinking, since I have been part of the association since its beginnings, is what allows its success today. We operate logically and coherently.”

This 2024 edition of the Telethon should therefore be, like every year, “ a strong moment of sharing and communion. And we really need it at this time.”slips Michel Allot.