They are 3500, all volunteers or almost. They often have not much more than those they help. Their motto? “Everything human is ours.” At the Secours Populaire, numbers and logistics take a bit of a backseat. And yet… Two years ago, the Nice branch of the Secours Populaire Français called upon financial lawyer Jean-Marc Martoglio to try to fix some minor financial issues: “My mission was to help them restructure and consolidate activities in the department. There was a significant deficit. With Marilyne Trabuchatti, the services director, we rebuilt the teams, cleaned up the finances. The goal was to sustain the activities of the Secours Populaire over the long term.“
A few months later, Jean-Marc Martoglio was elected Departmental Secretary of the Secours Populaire in Alpes Maritimes to continue this commitment as a volunteer. He explains: “Just start doing a little fieldwork to understand the importance of Secours Populaire’s actions. There are more and more people in difficulty, the department is impoverishing.” The actions of the Secours Populaire are increasing: the number of meals distributed has multiplied by 5 within 3 or 4 years. But the revenues are not increasing as quickly. “Donations from individuals and grants do not follow this progression, despite good will from public authorities. We have, for example, good relations with local authorities, who are very attentive,” explains Jean-Marc Martoglio.
Everything Human Is Ours
Another problem, another challenge: the Nice hinterland. The Secours Populaire branches are very numerous in the coastal cities, where most of the population of Alpes-Maritimes is concentrated. In the valleys, the population is scattered and, above all, less accessible. Establishing there is very costly. A challenge that Jean-Marc Martoglio is determined to tackle: “It is really necessary to reconnect with isolated people in the hinterland. They find themselves there because the rents are more affordable than on the coast. We cannot open branches in all villages; we want to establish a proximity contact but in a mobile manner.” The solution? The solidarity bus. It would crisscross the Alpilles, providing moral support and food aid from village to village. This project is planned for around 2008. Due to lack of resources, it will be set up with the collaboration of organizations like DASS, the General Council, or other associations.
While not lacking in in-kind donations (clothing, books, games…), beyond its financial problems, the Secours Populaire lacks people willing to offer their time. Primarily to drive the distribution trucks. It’s said. Now, people of Nice, it’s your turn!
