Just one euro. A small coin in exchange for an orange is enough to help the Sudanese children. This is the initiative led by “Friends of the Children,” a partner in the Orange Operation for Sister Emmanuelle’s cause. Around the Christmas village in Nice, amidst the Carnival, or even at the Music Festival, about fifty active members are always ready to raise awareness among passersby. This presence has been made possible thanks to the agreement with the Nice city hall. The association’s president, Muriel Tranngoc-Phu, makes no secret of it: “The city hall opens doors for us. This summer, for the first time, we will be able to sell the oranges at all the concerts at Nikaïa.” For this woman, the mathematics is simple: “With 20 cents, we can provide a meal for a child. I am convinced that human beings are naturally generous. They just need to discover it.” Always in search of donors, she excludes no one—from business leaders to banks and schools. Her approach’s objective, in her words, is to “open people’s hearts so they can understand. Here, a euro is nothing. In Sudan, it’s a lot.” A message that resonates. The president rejoices: “Recently, a major bank has come forward to help. The director is personally involved in this humanitarian effort.”
With open hands to receive aid, the association’s president does not forget anyone, not even the support of the less privileged social classes. Indeed, she also visits housing projects. The president recalls: “We went to the Moulins district. The youths came to ask questions and helped us sell the oranges. It was beautiful to see because while the Sudanese children need food in the literal sense, the youths here need cultural nourishment. Thus, it has been very beneficial for both sides.”
But although the association mobilizes as much as it can on behalf of African children, it is not always easy. The president admits: “Everyone gives a lot of their time and of themselves, but it is true that the association is stretched thin. We need more members and volunteers to be more effective.” Receiving no government subsidy, precisely due to this lack of members, the association is currently in dire need of sponsors. A gesture that can save lives. Regardless, with or without support, the volunteers do not give up their goal. They will also be present at the Jazz Festival in Cimiez in July. Not as spectators, but in search of willing souls.
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