REPORT
France: at the Little Brothers of the Poor, a Christmas meal under the sign of solidarity
Audio 01:17
After two years without a Christmas meal because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres was able to resume this very important event for isolated people, as in this primary school in Nantes.
© Matthieu Bonhoure / RFI
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The Little Brothers of the Poor couldn't have this moment together for two years, because of the Covid pandemic.
They were finally able to meet for a Christmas meal, a very important moment together.
In Nantes, in the west of France, they were around thirty, this December 25 at noon, to have a bite to eat together.
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With our correspondent in Nantes,
Matthieu Bonhoure
A little swing between the dish and the cheese.
On the dance floor, Jean-Pierre, 80 years old, a big smile and a lot of emotions to meet again.
“
It's wonderful, but it's not just that.
There is love for everyone at the same time.
Above all, it warms the heart
, ”he says.
He has been attending Christmas dinners for five years, it's a special moment each time.
“
They are
friends, my brothers, my sisters.
If we have nothing left behind, fortunately we have them
, ”he continues.
This year, Jean-Pierre loves the starter, a “
smoked salmon and lime financier
”.
At another table, there is Eveline.
“
It's wonderful.
Really, people are full of love
,” she says.
She lost her husband less than a year ago and she is having a great time surrounded by all these people.
“
I don't regret it, because I was apprehensive.
I didn't really want to, but it's very, very good
, ”she continues.
“
The same commitment: to serve
”
She chooses a song to sing together.
The animation of the meal is managed by volunteers, like Jacques.
One year, he celebrates Christmas with his family and the other year, he is “
with the family too, at the Little Brothers
(of the poor)”.
“
Because I made friends.
And then, we are all driven by the same commitment: to serve.
To serve people who are unlucky in life.
And that pulls us up
,” he says.
The recipients then all receive gifts, along with a letter from a child.
For Éveline, it was little Margaux who wrote her a few words.
Note that in France, nearly two million elderly people are isolated at Christmas, according to a study by Ifop.
600 people are supported by the Little Brothers of the Poor in the Pays de la Loire region.
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Aging is not a crime
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France
Poverty
Solidarity