“After the decision of confinement, we practically had only a day to rethink the food distribution activity of our Solidarity Self-Service Grocery at Moncalm Street in Paris' 18th district. Martin Van Der Hauwaert and his teams had only a day to make all adequate decisions. Some regular volunteers but also newcomers were thus mobilized and trained very quickly to a new way of working. The self-service grocery remains open from Tuesday to Saturday. Each beneficiary family receives confirmation of their appointment by phone or sms. However, for obvious health security reasons, no one is allowed to enter the compound. The distribution of standard kits with fresh products (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, dairy products, etc.) is provided by the volunteer staff, all wearing masks and posted at the doors of the premises. Masks and gloves are changed very regularly and the equipment is disinfected to avoid any transmission between volunteers and beneficiaries.”
Far from slowing down its action, Secours populaire de Paris is even expanding the range of its interventions. In addition to distributing food at rue Montcalm and the mobile relief aid to the homeless, our drivers have multiplied the rotations with their refrigerated vehicles to collect fresh and dry products - much more abundant than usual - and deliver them directly to SAMU Social hotels and other lodging centres or to other associations with whom the SPF is collaborating much more now.
This period of crisis is generating unprecedented mobilization of persons and resources, in an eminently convivial spirit of solidarity and with the team members driven by the feeling that they are living a human adventure that is as enriching as it is demanding. Nearly 500 families were received at the self-service in two weeks, 50 lodging structures referred to by our logistics teams, and soon the forthcoming distribution of kits for babies in coordination with the city of Paris. The Paris Federation wants to be present on all fronts and knows it can count on volunteers brimming with energy, courage and good humour.”
David Fargier