More than three hundred people, parents and children, come every day to stock up on the Chartres Red Cross, to stock up on food, fabrics, shoes, toys… In 2021 there were 210. These beneficiaries are getting younger and younger.
Only last Friday did the management of the Red Cross set up a novelty in the bathroom for volunteers. “A free photo shoot for families, in a Christmas setting, with a gift. A solidarity package made up of a book, warm clothes and a sweet note written by young people”, explains Stéphanie Gautrin, territorial president of the Red Cross in the department and manager of the Chartres site.
Nike for 20 euros
These are texts produced by high school students from the Zola factory in Châteaudun, who have chosen the Youth Red Cross option. A unique action in the Centre-Val de Loire region for second and first classes. These students lead activities throughout the year for the Chartres charity. The manager adds: “We have had, with my colleague from Loir-et-Cher, gifts that we share. »
The “Vesti’boutique” section, open to all, presents fabrics from birth to adulthood. This place has been invaded by families: “We have received many donations, even from famous brands, such as Nike. We have pairs of new sneakers, worth €160, sold for €20 a pair! The information quickly spread around the neighborhoods, especially since there were also Nike parkas for the same price.
Insufficient food donations
Other objects have been donated by individuals, automotive entrepreneurs and more or less well-known brands. If this sector is well supplied, the food sector, one ton per month, is in trouble: “We are in trouble with local supermarkets, except for our partnership with Casino Hyper Frais in Lucé, which works well. Traders have an obligation not to throw away. The prefecture reminds him often this year. The Red Cross, which passes three times a week, lacks fruit, pasta, preserves, oils and sugar.
In addition to assisting beneficiaries, the Chartres Red Cross is in great demand for other missions. In particular, he has been called upon to support the passengers of the SNCF, the victims of the fires, the displaced Ukrainians, the survivors of the A11 bus… There are twenty interventions in total, this year 2022.
Thierry Delaunay
