More than 220 Blésois benefited from solidarity New Year’s Eve at the castle

It's better to be there than to be alone at home, even if it's not the 24th. Like this retiree living alone in the Quinière district, 220 people participated in the solidarity New Year's Eve financed and organized by the City of Blois.

“Coming here allows you to recharge your batteries”

In a room on the first floor of the castle, to the sound of music played by a local DJ, guests were able to enjoy dishes prepared by the Guillon caterer. On the menu include: cucumber cheesecake as a starter, halal chicken fillet as a main course, and chocolate crunch for dessert.

We noted the presence among the guests of Jacques Diamatondo, residing in the city center. This man from Angola, a former diplomat now trained in thermal installation, came with his three young children, Ebenezer, Sublime and Blessing. “I participated in New Year's Eve, alone, last year, and it gave me joy, but I was still missing some papers. Today, it's settled, I'm at peace. Coming here with the children allows me to recharge my batteries. »

Other beneficiaries of the evening, Philippe, 60 years old, and Romain, 38 years old, from the Vienne district, both members of the Chemin Faisant association. It was a first for both of them. “We’ll find out, it’ll be a surprise! »they smiled around 7 p.m. as they crossed the castle courtyard. A few steps away, in a majestic room on the ground floor of the building, three retired women approached to drop off their packages. “A book, a wallet and a cup. » “It’s the new thing of the year, we asked each person invited to bring a small gift”explained deputy Marie-Agnès Ferret.

Several gifts distributed

The packages were then redistributed at random among the guests. Everyone was also able to receive packages from the two other partners, Loir-et-Cher Logement and StMichel.

Around twenty committed volunteers from various backgrounds were present to help with the organization. Town hall staff and numerous elected officials, equipped with bow ties, were also hard at work.

After the end of the evening, before midnight, people without means of transport were able to return home using shuttles set up by the City.