They are busy working; they cook, sort desserts and sandwiches with great pleasure. All afternoon, the volunteers of the MIR association are on a war footing. Everything must be ready by 7:00 PM, the time of their tour around the city of Nice. Their goal: to distribute a complete meal to the most needy. Homeless individuals eagerly await their arrival at three meeting points.
MIR always arrives at the port at 7:15 PM, continues its route 45 minutes later at the Jardin Albert 1er, and concludes its journey at the Sud train station. On the menu: unlimited hot soup, bread, a fruit, a yogurt, and a pastry. All these products are donated by merchants and the food bank. It’s enough to make people happy. Everyone is hungry. Some are already lining up, others are hesitant to come forward and ask. No matter what, with their bright red jackets, the ten members approach them. A smile is exchanged, friendly words, a handshake. The needy are reassured. No pity, just support. At least, that’s the sentiment this club conveys.
After 14 years of existence, MIR is strong in its activity and its will to do good. The president of the association, Father Patrick Bruzzone confirms: “Since its creation, the club has been developing slowly but surely.” The only problem is that it is still not well known and consequently, few people participate. Located in Sospel and in the premises of the Ariane Church, its action is nevertheless necessary. To try to be as present as possible in the streets, MIR organizes this initiative twice a week: on Mondays and Saturdays. Two days of complicity and sharing. Indeed, between two bites, everyone confides or speaks out on a subject.
The meal then gives way to thanks. “You will all go to heaven!” “What you are doing is really wonderful!” For the volunteers, these phrases are the reward for their work. They will go to sleep satisfied with their gesture and will be present at the next opportunity. Patrick Bruzzone shares: “The idea of creating an association came to me because of an event I witnessed. I saw the funeral of a young girl. She had died of an overdose. I felt outraged and needed to help those in difficulty.”
This feeling quickly turned into a “cry” for this man: “Never again, we must act!” This thought led him to name the club “MIR,” a Serbian term that means “Peace” in French. One thing is certain for this priest: “Peace is really what everyone needs!”
