-
I fell in love with wild, beautiful Cévennes in south-central France
Award-winning US poet Zaro Weil on why this remote part of France is a major inspiration for her work
-
Career change in France: From actress to estate agent
Jacqueline Reddin-Williams describes her journey to become a 'property matchmaker'
-
French village rallies to renovate an old chapel for the community
A British-led association is transforming a dilapidated chapel by utilising local skills and volunteer efforts
Santas go green to help poorer families in France
You may come across Santas in green suits in the run-up to Christmas.
They have been sent by the Secours Populaire charity to help the traditional Father Christmas in red bring good cheer to those most in need.
Since 1976, the French charity has sent out volunteers dressed in green to collect money, food and toys to make sure the least well-off can also enjoy the festive season.
The colour green was chosen because it is the colour of hope.
You may see les pères noël verts at the entrance to supermarkets, asking for donations of seasonal food, or in town centres with collecting tins for money, or asking for new or second-hand toys in very good condition to give to children who might otherwise have no presents.
The green Father Christmases also organise festive meals, outings, shows and holidays. In 2018, the charity helped 433,490 people to have a happier Christmas.
Dominique Roche, from the Secours Populaire national headquarters, said: “From November until January 10, all our volunteers become pères noëls verts.
“Anyone can join in and become a volunteer and we welcome all forms of help.
“Perhaps someone might join a team wrapping presents in a shopping centre to raise money, or organise a collection of toys in their workplace. Each small gesture adds up to become something that can really help a lot of people.”
To apply to be a volunteer, visit the secourspopulaire.fr website and click on je deviens bénévole.
The charity, which was founded in 1945, estimates there are nearly nine million people living in poverty in France. It is also involved in overseas aid programmes.
Last year, Secours Populaire, with its 80,000 volunteers, helped 3.3 million people in France and the rest of the world.
There are five major campaigns each year, one of which is les pères noël verts, and Secours Populaire needs to raise more money than ever.
Have your group featured
The Connexion regularly features news and events from community groups all over France. We would be pleased to publicise your association (non-commercial) – it’s a great way to bring in new members and it is free! You can submit events via connexionfrance.com/Community
To have your association/group featured email details to news@connexionfrance.com
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France