Scheme sends clowns to cheer up children in hospital in France New volunteer clowns are trained by professionals before interacting with children and their families
Crossing boundaries for ski services in Vercors, France We look at how not-for-profit associations from different departments are coming together to offer skiing in Les Coulmes at the Col de Romeyère, Presles and Rencurel
Volunteers helping Ukrainian families settle in France A British-run association in western France has been providing housing for Ukrainian families and is selling cookbooks and Christmas cards to raise funds British veterans group in France needs help setting up breakfast clubs English-speaking animal rescue charity in France appeals for helpers Help for the bereaved is just one phone call away
New online initiative in France: to volunteer just one hour a month The scheme is ideal if you do not want a long term commitment but still want to help out
Paris 2024 Olympics to seek English-speaking volunteers Around 45,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games, and they must speak English or French and be over 18 years old in 2024. Roles include welcoming guests and participants and assisting at ceremonies and with medical services
French app alerts nearby volunteer first aiders in health emergencies Anyone can download the ‘Staying alive’ app and get alerts to give medical support to people experiencing cardiac arrest in the vital minutes before firefighters arrive
French animal sanctuary in urgent need of donations Big V, a sanctuary in France that cares for more than 160 rescued animals, is in urgent need of donations and volunteers if it is to survive
Hang phone cable from window to help the homeless People in towns and cities with windows facing the street have been asked to leave a plug extension lead dangling from a window – ground or first floor only – to help homeless people recharge their mobiles.
Covid-19: French charity cares for pets of key staff A charity in southern France is calling for volunteers to look after the pets of healthcare staff, frontline workers, and hospitalised patients during the Covid-19 crisis.
Equine trust in France seeks help to meet demand An animal rescue charity is seeking helpers and foster homes due to a rise in the number of horses, ponies and donkeys it takes in.
Santas go green to help poorer families in France You may come across Santas in green suits in the run-up to Christmas.
French refuge inspired by ‘TV star’ cat A refuge for abandoned cats is looking for homes for their animals, as well as volunteers to help with fundraising, donate food or just spend time there.
Pet rescue president passes on his lead The president of animal rescue charity Phoenix, who founded the association with his wife, is stepping down from his role due to ill health. Tiny french alpine ski resort saved by volunteers Vet’s hospital is on call to help injured wild animals Generous French charity giving goes beyond money
10,000 books wanting readers Tarn et Garonne library looking for new members Who will do the donkey work now? Voluntary donations reach €7.5 billion Help beat deaths on the street 20 million make difference Volunteering is not as easy as you think
Restos du Coeur is more than food Well-known food aid group Restos du Cœur is looking for volunteers in its programme to help people look for work. The charity, started by the late comedian Coluche, is in the middle of its food bank activities with its winter campaign which runs until March.
Helping with rescue animals can transform their lives A Facebook group that puts animal lovers in touch with dog and cat refuges in their area, is calling on anyone with a bit of time to spare to join them to help improve the lives of rescue animals.
Be prepared... to have fun with a scout group The British Scouting Overseas groups in France is looking for volunteers to set up more local groups
Live your Time Team dream to help archeological Archeological digs across France are in need of volunteers to help them complete on-site studies.
Volunteers pick surplus fruit from your trees Many fruit trees in private gardens produce more fruit than their owners can use – but an association is offering to harvest the unwanted crop and turn it into jam to be sold.
The pink people out to brighten patients’ days With their personalised pink blouses, the volunteers bring activities and a smile into what can be difficult or lonely moments
Volunteers step up for refugees British volunteers have transformed the lives of eight refugee families sent to Montbron in Charente from the Calais camp just before it was dismantled. They had felt lost as they spoke English but did not understand French.