Les restos du coeur are celebrating their 40th anniversary with the start of their winter campaigns this week. With 54,000 people welcomed in more than forty branches in the Bouches du Rhône department each year. These people benefit from food aid, but not only that. Some centers also offer other assistance to help the most disadvantaged get back on their feet and integrate into society.
Restos du coeur are known for offering people food assistance, but some centers go much further. In Marseille, in this branch in the 9th arrondissement, we also offer help with administration, IT, self-esteem, clothing and legal aid. “It’s important for them to provide them with all these additional supports, so that they can feel like everyone else and so that they can integrate.”, explains Blaise Comas.
Leisure activities are also organized such as a one-euro meal in a restaurant or introductory sports activities (judo and sailing during July and August). This Thursday, the focus was on self-esteem.
“It’s worth gold”
And for this, André, a former hairdresser now retired, came voluntarily to cut the hair of the people welcomed. “It’s great, thank you very much”, warmly thanks a Ukrainian refugee, very happy after discovering her new haircut. The best thanks for André, “These thanks are worth gold!”, before continuing, “it’s more than a haircut, everyone should be able to take care of themselves and be able to look beautiful.”.
Many other centers offer activities like this. This may vary between different antennas. To find out more, visit the website of the Restos du Cœur of Bouches-du-Rhône and contact the desired antennas directly.
