“Operation Sakado”. It sounds like the title of an action movie and yet it’s just a solidarity movement meant to bring some comfort to the homeless. “ This association has existed for 15 years. Initially we distributed 50 bags in Montpellier, now it’s 800 in the Hérault department, a little more than 15 000 in France and we are present in 120 cities “, explains Pascal Parrot, co-founder with Jean Teulade of the Sakado association.
“Offer hope”
Friday December 18, he was able to take possession of a backpack filled by the students of each class of the Saint-Guilhem school. “ Beyond the objects that you are going to offer, that you entrust to me so that I distribute them on your behalf to the homeless people of Montpellier, you offer something else. You offer hope, dignity, consideration to the women and men who, on the 24th and 31st December evening, Christmas and New Year’s Day will be spent in the streets. They will have a “Sakado” but also a gift bag, so thank you for that. “, he launched to the students.
Before leaving, he had to answer the many questions asked by the curious children of this association. At the question : “Why did you create this association?”, Pascal simply explained how he got the idea. “ I am a journalist and for much of my career I have reported on wars, earthquakes, floods, on misfortunes that there are in the world. At one point, I thought it was time to act. In my town, there was a homeless man and he was moaning because he had to go to Montpellier. All his things were gathered in a supermarket cart and he left it by the side of the road, he risked not finding it on his return. We questioned him, he replied: “What would be good is that I have a backpack to carry my life on my back.” So with a colleague we bought him and saw what he was putting in it. Hence the kits that now make up each backpack.”
Free Midi Correspondent: 06 20 67 66 37.
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