This Tuesday, November 19, the 40th national Restos du coeur campaign was launched. If last year, the financial situation of the charity was at its worst, a wave of support changed the situation. In Aude, what consequences have these changes caused? Explanations.
On the occasion of the launch of the 40e campaign of the Restos du coeur, this Tuesday, November 19, the more than 2,000 reception centers are agitated. In Aude, “we are still registering”confides Odile Brégand, current delegated administrator within the department. This new edition is intended to be special since it comes after a particularly tense context experienced by the structure last year.
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Aude – Financial difficulties of Restos du Cœur: what impact on the department's centers?
In 2023, the observation was clear: the financial situation of Restos du coeur was in dire straits. Information communicated by the president at national level, Patrice Douret, which indicated the need to refuse certain beneficiaries, due to the regular increase in demand but also inflation.
To plug the gap, a wave of donations was made following the call for help, amounting to 32 million euros. 10 million euros coming in particular from the world leader in luxury LVMH and 8 million euros from the State. “We have also experienced a sharp increase in financial support from individuals, underlines Odile Brégand. Some helping for the first time when regular donors offered even more.”
In Aude, the impacts were immediate according to the managing director: “We were able to maintain the Restos du coeur within the department. Finances were restored on a national scale, so the positive repercussions were felt at the local level. Since when six meals a week are given in Aude, the same number is distributed elsewhere.”
This relief also comes from the fact that food allocations had to be reduced last year. “It was truly heartbreaking. We hope that the situation will improve for this campaign”wishes Odile Brégand. Currently, all reception centers are open. 500 volunteers are committed to the cause in the department, like in 2023. “We always need people when we know that the number of beneficiaries continues to increase”concludes the managing director.
