Juliet, volunteer at Christmas
A slight British accent and a face as soft as his voice is: here is what strikes when you meet Juliet. Retired in 2000, this former secretary wanted to donate her time to an association, "to give back some of what was given to me." She knocks on the door of the "little brothers of the Poor", because located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, she can walk there from home.
Juliet first proposes to accompany elderly people, but she is not allowed, because it must be there regularly, especially in summer, which is not his case. "I wanted to use my skills, I type and know how to use a computer, you have to be motivated to be a volunteer, everyone can not offer their services like that." did a first interview, then a second to really measure my commitment.I really wanted to be part of their team, and it's been 6 years that it lasts! "
Since then, she devotes every Wednesday afternoon to the secretariat of the foundation, and sometimes more when asked. But there is also a particular moment in the year when Juliet's availability is desired: the holiday season.
Solidarity awakenings
The volunteers of the little brothers of the Poor often know at the last moment when they will spend Christmas Eve. In fact, we must first study the number of applications received and the number of volunteers present. For several years, Juliet dedicates on December 24 to the association. "I remember the first time, it was quite special since I had to go and spend Christmas with someone I obviously did not know, and bring with me a package of food that we provide." An employee had warned me : "I do not know where you will find room to eat! "Indeed, the elderly person I went to had accumulated thousands of memories for many years, suitcases were stacked ... to the ceiling! We talked a lot, and I even played the harmonium that was a corner of his house, since then we have been sending cards on a regular basis, it was a beautiful evening, and I stayed very late. "
Give, an enrichment
This year again, Juliet will answer present. She will be able to spend Christmas Eve at a private house or follow other volunteers in a parish, to discuss with people who will be invited to supper dinners. "Being a volunteer enriches a lot, we share good times, between ourselves or with the people we help, but you have to be careful about taking a step back, not focusing too much, otherwise it can become emotionally difficult."
The little brothers of the Poor have 490 volunteers in Paris and are present in nine other regions. This association, which celebrates its 60th birthday this year, was founded by Armand Marquiset, a wealthy aristocrat. He began by cooking meals for the poor, before offering them stays in his castle. "The memory of this man still reigns on the premises, some people here have rubbed shoulders with him.The place he has created brings together people from all backgrounds and ages, and we are on the same length I had already worked in an association being younger, but this one really has something special. "Juliet also offers something special to all people in need: to share time, simply ...
If you also want to give some of your time to people who really need it, you can contact the association: 0 825 833 822
//www.petitsfreres.asso.fr/
