His collection exceeded his expectations. His craftsman's van, stripped of its tools, may not be enough to transport the hundreds of kilos of food, clothing and hygiene products collected that Yoann Braojos, 36, plans to distribute from Monday, November 11 in small villages south of Valencia, ravaged by floods a few days ago.
The father of three children must put his family and professional life on hold to help the victims, whose images on social networks make him “heartbroken.” » The Ambaresian, of Spanish origin, had already set up a collective to clean the banks of the Presqu'île after floods. This time, it's ten hours away, for a week and in a foreign country, that he has to help out.
Baby clothes and diapers
The collection took on proportions that he did not suspect. At the CocciMarket in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, first of all, a poster was put up in the middle of the week on a window. Faced with the enthusiasm, a space has been set up to receive donations: boxes filled with clothes, diapers or baby wipes as well as food are piled up. “It’s taken on an impressive scale,” he says. The initiative has even gone beyond the borders of the Bordeaux metropolis since the municipality of La Lande-de-Fronsac has joined in, organizing a collection over the last three days at the town hall. “The idea came to me quite naturally, I am half Spanish,” explains Patrick Houssat, elected there. I contacted several carriers who were planning a trip to the affected regions and we got along well. »
“We have to help them!” This is what they would do for us, if we were faced with the same terrible situation”
Long beard, cap on his head, Yoann Braojos shows the application (ayudaterreta.com) which lists the shortages of residents house by house. “I’m going to go door to door,” he smiles, “bringing what they really need. » He has notably provided hygiene products and clothing for the little ones. His truck must be half full of “clothes”. After distributing donations at the start of the week, he plans to lend a helping hand to one or more schools that have been affected by the floods.
The Girondin watched the videos scrolling on social networks, particularly those of mothers who lost everything in the spectacular bad weather. “People in tears, all these people who had a good life and who find themselves with nothing at all. How can we not feel sorry for them? » insists Yoann Braojos.
A few kilometers away, Lalandais municipal councilor Patrick Houssat: “We must help them! This is what they would do for us if we were faced with the same terrible situation…” A fundraiser was also launched to financially support the travel expenses of the Ambaresian artisan. “But I intend to participate from my own pocket,” says the one who must stay a week there.
