Arnay-sous-Vitteaux. Families of asylum seekers take advantage of the Parc de l’Auxois
As soon as they arrived Thursday, August 18 in the morning in the parking lot of the Parc de l’Auxois, it was clear that the day was going to be very rich in emotions for these children from the Dijon region, migrants housed in a reception center for asylum seekers. asylum (Cada). If some still seemed a little sleepy when getting off the bus, faces quickly lit up with smiles. The excitement of discovering the animals and the many attractions and activities offered by the Parc de l’Auxois were on the agenda for this day organized by the Secours populaire de Dijon.
A wonderful day to think about something else
As Gérard Quentin, volunteer manager within the charity association, reminds us, “the Secours populaire is not only about food distribution, it is also, for these families in difficulty, help to escape with discovery, cultural, sporting activities, etc. “. “Today, change of atmosphere with the free visit of the Parc de l’Auxois which was able to welcome us with benevolence and kindness. The children, this early morning, really seem to be having a blast and it’s wonderful to see their eyes twinkle with happiness. »
If the weather could have let fear the worst, the families were able to discover the animals by walking in the paths of the park and marvel at a lion, cheetahs, zebras or lorikeets… “It’s a moment when , finally, we let go and we think about something else and it really feels good. A moment of escape, sharing and freedom. It’s a nice feeling. It’s been a long time since I felt such emotion with my two children, Stelio and Amélia”, underlines Violeta, everything just arrived a year ago from Albania.
After the midday picnic, the more adventurous went for a dip in the swimming pool (a little chilly), while others took a ride on the merry-go-round, got on the little train or attended the educational activities.
Seeing all these children having fun was a real satisfaction for the Secours populaire, which regularly offers outings for these families in difficulty.