with his plancha bike, Kamel offers a meal to the homeless
Use the material for the intangible. It is with this idea in mind that Kamel Secraoui, a 45-year-old Toulouse resident, has embarked on a “somewhat crazy project”: that of cook for the homeless, right where they are in the pink city. Since September 2021, this artist and designer by training, nicknamed Chat Maigre, has been traveling the streets of Toulouse using his bicycle and a stainless steel trailer. Designed in the space of one and a half, the latter has a particularity: it transforms into mobile plancha. And every Tuesday noon, Kamel goes to meet the homeless to offer them a hot meal and a moment of conviviality.
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Give smile
This idea came to him at the end of the first confinement. During this period, he participated in several marauding to distribute food to poor people and to the streets. “We just brought the food and then left. For me, he the social link was missing“, he admits. Through his action, he simply seeks to” make people smile “and” humanize the city “. When he cooks in front of them,” it is a moment of human warmth, exchange and laughterKamel admits with a smile.
And the artist cooks everything to vary the pleasures: vegetables, meat or fish. Tuesday, December 14, during a new marauding at the level of the Fer à Cheval district, a burger was on the menu. Vegetables, steaks, raclette cheeses, Bayonne hams or optional bacon, the choice was varied. “There were a dozen people. And even after, we went to Auchan to buy more steaks and breads,” he admits.
Yesterday, during a marauding, Kamel prepared burgers for the homeless in the Fer à Cheval district of Toulouse. © / Kamel Secraoui
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La plancha, between social bond and freedom
And if he chose a mobile plancha, it is also for this reason. During this exchange time, there is also no judgment, no taboo. Work, history and food are all emblematic themes. Because for him, the plancha is a “user-friendly tool, which continues and creates a link. “Some even call him out with familiarity,” like a Sunday at home with friends, “he adds. Sometimes he even relays on his page Facebook the stories and needs of the homeless that he meets. “It can help. I post their phone number or their job search, for example,” says Kamel.
With his bike and his mobile plancha, Kamel Secraoui can go anywhere in the city. © / Kamel Secraoui
The plancha is also a way for him to have some freedom. Unlike cars or trucks, bicycles can go anywhere. “Under a bridge or at the edge of the canal, I stop where I can. I even enjoy riding. And when I see a person in need, I offer my help, “says Kamel. Besides, there are no rules as to where he settles.” I go there a bit by feeling. , while avoiding the crowd, “concedes the Toulousain.
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An association to see bigger
For the supply of food, it ensures himself the funder. “When I do my lessons, I sometimes spend 20 to 30 euros more to cook with the plancha”, he explains. He also recovers from time to time products in supermarkets that are going to be discarded. But for his project to develop, he created his association, the Social club of the plancha. Today, he receives several donations from all over France. And he would like to use them for finance a second trailer.
But above all, he would like to inspire other people. Most of the time, Kamel is alone when he is part of his marauding, even if sometimes some friends give him a hand. “But if I can get together and bring in volunteers, there I could be proud. For the moment, this project is only at the beginning “, conclusion the artist.