in Paris, the beneficiaries still numerous

Threatened by serious financial difficulties in 2023, the Restos du Cœur, launched by Coluche in 1985, begin their 40th winter campaign this Tuesday with accounts once again in the green, new hopes made possible thanks to the generosity of the French.

The association finds itself in 2024 with a surplus of 22 million euros. But if finances are better, the beneficiaries are still numerous, with very varied profiles, as in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

“I’m having trouble making it to the end of the month.”

Behind the large trestles installed in the basement of a Parisian building, volunteers have been busy since the opening this Tuesday afternoon and it doesn't stop. A 40th Restos campaign that this 26-year-old student was impatiently awaiting. “I'm having trouble making it through the end of the month. I'm in a room with a lady, but I'm not paid. And the restaurants allow me to have eggs, milk, vegetables, fruit and cakes,” she explains.

Célina leaves with well-filled bags, just like Sonia, a mother, looking for a job and who, faced with the high cost of living, can no longer make ends meet. “The prices of diapers and baby milk, frankly, in pharmacies it costs 24 euros while we can get it for free at Restos du Cœur. It helps us a lot,” says this mother.

Numerous beneficiaries and volunteers like Catherine, always so dynamic, smiling and compassionate. “They fill me with love and we try to give them a little warmth and smiles. Apparently, it works. It’s a good moment for them and for us. Really,” she rejoices. And good news, as the finances of Restos du Cœur are improving, the association will once again be able to distribute six meals per week to beneficiaries, compared to four last winter.