“I contacted Martin to propose myself for the distribution of goods. A text message came late this afternoon inviting me to come over...
First day.
Prepared myself. I was apprehensive. A little fear: the question of transportation. The bus, the train and the subway... The risk of contamination. I won't be respecting confinement. I properly filled out my certificate of derogatory displacement. It is well in the pocket of my jacket. The bus is empty. It will be a long wait to get on a train. I'll only get in last and isolate myself at the back. There is silence at the Saint Lazare station. The few passengers around seem to be at a loss. I decided not to take the metro and walk instead to Montcalm. It took me thirty minutes. People were walking... certainly less passers-by but many cars...
"Hello Francois". I feel reassured. I'm glad to see Martin again. A quick tour of the office to prepare myself.
Some coffee. Martin rings the bell for the meeting. Today, we won't distribute. We're getting ready for tomorrow. There are ten of us. Regulars and Ramey's employees. There's a diagram on the flipchart. We discuss. Some are hesitant. I am one of them. Emotions are manifested. The first plan is defined. The "roles" are assigned. Obligations to respect attitudes towards each person are scrupulously stated. Safe distance. Regular hand washing. Avoid touching your face.
The objective of the next three days is to finalize this new distribution plan with the regulars. They will have to train next week's volunteers. The team rotations will allow the tired to rest. “Kits" are prepared. The team of preparers will put in the items following the list of products. The crates start piling up. I am assigned to the fruit and vegetable section. "I'm going to find boxes for you in the basement," Charles tells me. They're green. I line up two rows. On the left, fruits, on the right, vegetables. I divide the fruits and vegetables in the paper bags as best I can. Half past ten. The pickup truck has just arrived. The carts overflowing with fresh produce follow each other for sorting and filling the refrigerated cabinets. The portion of vegetables and fruit is substantial. I'm glad. The comrades help me to sort out. It's time to eat. David has set the tables and cooked us a rabbit in mustard sauce. We're keeping our distance. Second arrival of the pickup truck.
We resume working in the early afternoon. A meeting to take stock of the situation. First feedbacks. Thierry has contacted the beneficiaries to reschedule and organize the appointments. I leave the Solidarity Self-Service for home.
Second day.
First day of distribution. Direct testing. A meeting to start our day. Instructions. Recommendations. Organization of the queue. Putting the barriers and markings on the pavement. Setting up the tables to mark off restricted access to one person. The gel dispenser is there at the entrance. The pickup arrives. Here we go. We open it.
I finish filling the crates and continue sorting with David's help. "A couple, two children and a baby!" is announced by the reception team. The kit team brings the shopping trolley filled with fruits and vegetables and what has been collected. Going through the checkout counter. David accounts on the computer. I set myself on one objective, which is to maintain the supply level of the crates. To avoid a break in the distribution chain. The crates empty very quickly. Lunch break.
We resuming after lunch. The rhythm is uncertain. Sometimes heavy, sometimes low. End of the distribution. End of the day meeting. The evaluation is positive. David proposes a round of applause. We tidy up. We disinfect with white vinegar. We complete the shelves for the next day. I go home very tired. Happy of this day of sharing.
Third day.
Transportation has been reduced. The usual bus is announced to come in 30 minutes. It's Saturday. Forty-five minutes waiting for the train. I take the subway. I arrive late. The activity is in full swing. We have new volunteers with us. The comrades have prepared the stocks on the shelves. I am assigned to look after the stock the whole morning. I am replaced and for the afternoon, I go to the basement and sort out what has been collected. Five o'clock. I leave Montcalm.
I spent three days rich in emotion and contact with new people. I know that at the moment I can no longer come to help. I live in the suburbs. Thanks to Martin for giving me news. I continue to participate by working on the food aid project from home.”
François Baron