Dijon. A solidarity distribution to help students
Within the Mansart university residence, there are many of them queuing in front of the Chalon pavilion, well wrapped up in coats, witnesses of the cold that has been beating down on the Dijon metropolis for a few days. On the sidelines of the impressive waiting list, a Crous stand offers hot chocolates, to warm up and wait before being able to access the building.
Inside, several volunteers accompany the few lucky ones who pass on the large bags brought for the occasion. “We are carrying out a solidarity distribution”, presents Olivier Braun, head of the ecological and responsible transition service within the Crous. “We help students in precarious situations and who need all these things that we make available to them”
Over 1,300 students helped in 2021
Hygiene and cleaning products, kitchen utensils, small household appliances, warm winter clothes are offered to many young people. “Student precariousness is something very real”, resumes Olivier Braun. “It’s a good thing to have this kind of operation to help them, and somewhere, unfortunately, it works. Over the whole of 2021, we helped more than 1,300 students. It’s not going well. »
The Red Cross and the Lions Club mobilized
For their part, Christiane and Véronique, volunteers at the Red Cross of Côte-d’Or, a stakeholder in the operation, sometimes give kits to requesting students. “These are complete hygiene kits, which we give out during all our operations, with predefined elements,” explains Véronique. “Not everyone needs all that is given in it, they smoke what they need. Toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, cotton swab, condoms, everything has been thought out to meet your needs. “It is the Red Cross that provides this material, but we will leave what remains so that the Crous can meet the future needs of the young people who will present themselves”
Also involved in the operation, the Center-East Lions Club, regional level of the philanthropic organization, also gave of its person. “We financed several missing objects from this collection, for an amount of approximately €3,000,” reveals Éric Bosredon, governor of the regional structure. “We were able to provide coffee makers, toasters and even a microwave. It gives us great pleasure to be part of this operation, especially since helping the most vulnerable is the very essence of our ethics” And for those who have missed the car, don’t panic, Olivier Braun reassures: “For those who couldn’t come or didn’t get the word, it doesn’t matter, just contact us and we organize a distribution »