Robert Larose, are you a worried president?
“I am not a worried president, I am a committed president. That is why we have been struggling to provide what is needed since October. “
What situation are you facing at the Restos du Cœur?
“What is being announced is once again the progression of the distribution. An estimated 15% increase in the number of people admitted for the next campaign starting this winter, to 14,000 in Meurthe-et-Moselle. Often a vulnerable population that, until now, has tried to resist. But with inflation it has become impossible. “I didn’t want to come, but I had no choice there”, is what you feel right now. “
With what consequences?
“Additional needs: 200 tons of extra food to be mobilized and distributed. And there we are faced with what all companies have to endure right now: significantly higher loads. Starting with the fuel. We have projected the increase to + 20%, if we take into account the current data, but very smart who could give us the price of gasoline next March. “
What are your savings margins?
“We will inform our drivers about eco-driving, it has already started. But our room for maneuver is small in such a large department. We have 37 refueling points there, five of which are in Nancy and her agglomeration which represent 50% of the supply, of course. But we must shine all over the territory, this famous duck-shaped department, which extends for us from Longuyon in the north to Blamont in the southeast. “
For years we have been dealing with this lasting phenomenon which has seen an increase in the number of beneficiaries.
Roberto Larose
In short, everything is there to complicate your task. What to despair, right?
“Oh, most of all no, we are not desperate! For years we have been dealing with this lasting phenomenon which has seen an increase in the number of beneficiaries, as well as the opening hours, and the number of volunteers to put in front. Some centers will have to open an extra day. We are here to find solutions, not to cry. On the other hand, we know how to ask for help when it is needed. “
And here it is. While the next campaign will only be open in several weeks?
“Yes. We need to find more volunteers to absorb this increased workload. Today we have more than 800 employees (the full-time equivalent of 100 employees!). With the usual small turnover of a few natural starts, and new needs, we would need to recruit at least 50 more volunteers. For a wide variety of functions. It’s not just about distributing cans, you know! And the recruiting campaign, well, it’s time. “
To apply for volunteering: 03 83 55 50 50 or https://ad54.restosducoeur.org/benevolat-spontane/
