Nice Premium visited the French Secours Populaire, a solidarity association that helps the underprivileged. It is present throughout the department. In Nice, you can buy various products (crockery, culture, toys, clothes…) at 30 Rue Bonaparte. Food distribution takes place every morning at 39 Rue Vernier.
Jean Stellittano is the General Secretary of the Alpes-Maritimes federation. This federation helps 13,000 people, almost three times more than in 2019, when Secours Populaire helped 5,000 people.
Their Actions
The volunteers prepare parcels for food distributions, with fresh products, basic necessities, hygiene products, and canned goods.
The association has several solutions to obtain food for distribution:
- a European allocation, which helps provide basic products.
- collections in supermarkets, which also donate products.
- they also purchase food from local farmers.
Secours Populaire assists people with their administrative procedures and organizes vacations and leisure activities.
They distribute clothing to the most deprived, and sell them in their thrift shops at low prices. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps donate their unsold items. You can also find other various products on the premises.
“It’s thanks to the work of volunteers who collect money, and the donations, that we can fund all this.”
The Green Santa
A large toy collection is underway. “We collect second-hand toys and resell them. With this money, we buy new gifts for children. It’s the Green Santa campaign, which helps the red one and the most deprived children.” Parents receive vouchers to improve their Christmas meal.
The Nice Offices
At the port, the location at 30 Rue Bonaparte offers a thrift shop, a second-hand shop, and “domiciliation for homeless people under certain conditions.”
The Rue Vernier office focuses on food. There is also a medical center. “We cover all the vital needs of human beings,” confides the General Secretary.
It is possible to make a donation at any branch of the association by dropping off items. “People give easily. French people are supportive, generous.”
What Changes in Winter
“More warm clothing is necessary. The holidays are a difficult time for people in great poverty. Everything lends itself to joy and good humor, except when you don’t have money. It can be a very joyful time, or very hard for families.”
The Volunteers
Secours Populaire is fortunate to have many volunteers, 2800 in the department. To become one, just explain what you want to do. The tasks are very varied. “A volunteer can give two hours, or two days a month, according to their availability. They must share our values, be tolerant and benevolent. We have many unemployed volunteers. They occupy their time and feel useful.”
Everyone is at their branch. At the port branch, the five retirees come three days each. In addition, students and employees come when they are off work.
On site, the atmosphere is warm. Volunteers have a joy of life and share it.
Arroussia, a Volunteer in Nice, Feels Like Family
Arroussia has been with Secours Populaire for 26 years as a certified social mediator. Retired, she continues to work as a volunteer six days a week.
“I’m used to being here. My friends are here.” She was even awarded the Secours Populaire medal.
“I take a break from social mediation for two days at the thrift shop, to no longer think. We see misery all day. I internalize my emotions to help people, but I break down afterward. You have to keep a brave face in front of them, but don’t do this job if you don’t have a heart. We are human beings. These people expect us to find them a solution. We must be up to it.” The volunteer has witnessed an explosion in the number of women victims of violence.
“I’m here with family. I come from the DDASS” (note: Direction Départementale des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales), so I feel good here with my colleagues and friends. My life revolves around the association. I know everyone.
I’m in my element. I feel useful, I have a purpose. I haven’t taken a day off in three years. I get depressed at home. My husband is here too.”
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
According to Arroussia, more retirees are turning to the association these days. Recently, there have also been self-employed entrepreneurs in precarious situations, and many students. These are new profiles.
“In 26 years, I’ve never seen this. The line is very long at the Carlone campus. In Antibes, there are small artisans too, employees earning minimum wage, all sorts. We sometimes get called for an elderly person alone who doesn’t dare to do it themselves, and we bring them a package.”
Are the Finances Well Managed?
Arroussia is satisfied with how finances are managed, as a member of the departmental committee and secretariat. “Everything is clear. We have access to the financial reports every month, with expense statements. Every three months, there is a comprehensive report, and a committee, secretariat, and financial commission meeting. We know everything, we are at ease. Any of us can request to see the reports.”
What Are the Profiles That Visit the Port Office? Nice Premium Met Them.
The people met on-site visit Secours Populaire to buy unique and cheaper goods than in traditional stores.
Nathalie is a loyal customer of the thrift shop. “I find many pretty things: clothes, jewelry, crockery. I come with pleasure to buy cheaper products, chat and laugh.”
Ashley, a foreign tourist, loves buying second-hand. “There are more interesting and varied things. It’s different from back home; I find it interesting.”
Mailey, a student, buys clothes at the thrift shop and also looks at other products. “I come here purely for pleasure, not out of necessity, to find little original and cheap treasures. I like supporting the association.”
Eugène lives in the neighborhood and finds many interesting items he needs. He appreciates the altruistic aspect of Secours Populaire, and has made donations before. “Sometimes you find curious items you don’t think about. I like discovering things. I enjoy the chaos, being here. It’s a pleasure.”
