In the Noyonnais country, solidarity is organized on social networks

By Camille Sarazin
Published on 2 Jan 21 at 9:48

–

AT Noyon and in the municipalities aroundOise, the year 2020 saw the birth of an incredible solidarity network. Facebook group “Entr’Aide Pays Noyonnais”, created last October, now brings together more than 300 people. “People want to give”, assures Olivier Ghiri, founder of the group and former mayor of Pont-Lévèque.

Little by little, the idea germinated in his head, starting in May. “During the first confinement, I saw that some people were isolated in my town,” says Olivier Ghiri. On May 8, with volunteers, he distributed 100 baskets straight from the Point du Jour greenhouse in Baboeuf. “Following this action, I had a lot of positive feedback and I continued with some friends. “

It was at the start of the second confinement that the Facebook group was created. “In October, I told myself that we would find the same difficulties as during the first confinement,” explains the former elected.

Recreating social ties

The Facebook group is private. “People in difficulty do not necessarily want to proclaim it loud and clear”, explains Olivier Ghiri. Besides, you don’t have to be in the group to receive help. “The idea was to weave a web to be able to bring back information from the field,” he says. This makes it possible to identify a neighbor in need or an isolated elderly person, even if they are not familiar with social networks.

Food, laptop, coffee table, baby clothes… Donation photos poured into the group. Between the people who give, those who receive and the forty or so active volunteers, the initiative has succeeded in creating an exchange. “Some people don’t need food but a social connection. Social link which was put aside during the year 2020 “, explains the founder, who is convinced that” there is good in these two confinements “. “Solidarity won. The ties have grown closer, ”he concludes.

–