NEWS: Restos du coeur - already 20 years

There are *still* a lot of needy and homeless in France, our soooo developped country. We are talking about 10% of the population. As Bono is used to say "Too many".

I am not used to talk about typical French-oriented topic but I would like to take my hat off to all these volunteers who are supporting and making this French charitable association work so efficiently and humanely. You, mostly as non-French, don't know it, it is called Les Restos du coeur - Restaurants of the Heart. Its three main goals, as an official non-profit organization, are:

1. distribute free food packages and meals to the needy and homeless


2. support their economical and social re-integration


3. generally speaking, fight against poverty in all its forms

This great association was created in 1985 by Coluche, a famous French humourist and comedian who died in 1986.

Les Restos du Coeur are very professionally and efficiently managed, a lot of retired persons are helping for example, and bringing their huge experience in the association (logistics, IT, admin, etc.). Have a quit look at the figures, it gives you also a first impression about the catastrophic number of people in France who are in need...... For the period 2003/2004 (winter-period):

• 650'000 persons supported


• 66.5 million meals distributed


• 43'000 volunteers


• 467'000 private donors


• 1'900 locations around France

With its very cost-effective structure, the association can invest more than 90% of the donation directly in the different support activities. Great.

As I said at the beginning, respect! If you want to donate (hey it is good for your taxes - just for the French donors), it is here.