FACT OF THE DAY Christmas of the Heart always attracts more people for its big festive evening

The Exhibition Center welcomed even more people this Tuesday, December 24, on the occasion of the 31st edition of Noël du Coeur, organized by the pastoral ministry of Nîmes. From 7 p.m., welcoming guests, until the end of the evening at around 10 p.m., it was a party for several hundred families and single people of all ages. With the promise of having a good time over a good meal.

Almost 900 meals have been planned this year, 700 for adults, 200 for volunteers and 100 for children. An increase compared to Christmas Eve 2023: “We realized that last year we hadn't planned enough meals, so we planned around a hundred more meals“, explains Pastor Marques, at the heart of the organization.

Compared to last year, the Pastor noted a larger presence of students. “Many of them stay alone because it is too expensive to return home. We know the situation…”he says. Concerning volunteers, there are always more of them wanting to get involved, news that warms the heart: “We had to turn away people, about half of those from last year came back, wanting to do good around them”smiles the Pastor.

Despite the fatigue of the years and the difficulties in satisfying everyone, Pastor Marques is satisfied with the positive spirit brought by this type of event: “When we give and it makes sense, delights and soothes, it’s worth it and it motivates me to continue”. The city of Nîmes and the department of Gard are the financiers of this evening, benefiting from aid of 8,000 euros, which covers approximately half of the expenses, which increase each year due to inflation.

Lively evening

In addition to the copious and refined meal prepared for the guests, they were able to enjoy several hours of entertainment to savor their plates. First of all, it was Dylan Séveran who opened the ball with gipsy music, then a more solemn time allowed us to recall the values ​​of Christmas. Then, a quiz was organized around Christmas, then the international singer Dalida Chair played her repertoire of international music. To put the children in the spotlight, a surprise carol around Christmas allowed their voices to be heard.

Like last year, many elected officials wanted to come to support the operation. “It was important to be there this evening with people who give their time. Around this beautiful solidarity, it is also the principle of coming together, kindness always exists”explains deputy departmental advisor for sport Vincent Bouget. Her PCF political comrade Sylvette Fayet agrees, she who has not missed a single edition since 1992: “It’s nice to know that this great initiative continues. It’s a moment of sharing between believers and non-believers, it touches me a lot”she testifies.

Father Frédéric Auriol is happy that these people share their time without screens: “It helps break the loneliness”he declares. An observation also shared by Carole Solana, city deputy responsible for social housing, solidarity and intergenerational exchanges: “We, the city of Nîmes, take part in this evening every year. Everyone is there, it's magic Christmas,” she comments. An evening that she is particularly familiar with having been a volunteer since 2016 for its smooth running. Carole Solana also worked for 15 years at Samu Social.

The president of Nîmes Métropole Franck Proust also wanted to come and address a few words to the guests: “It’s important to spend a little time with you, of love, sharing and exchange, it feels good to be all together”. And for the extra meals, don't worry, nothing was wasted and some were lucky enough to leave with them.

The meal in detail:

Starter: Vegetable terrine with Provençal sauce

Dish: Butternut chicken breast or lemon corolla with three salmon – gratin dauphinois with black truffle and bundle of green beans

Dessert: Saint-Honoré revisited – sparkling without alcohol or glass of crémant