Santa Claus and volunteers distribute gifts to homeless people in Lyon
Every year, he joins the maraudes of the association “Donner la main, gift de soi”.
A little comfort this holiday season. For the eleventh year, Santa Claus walked the streets of Lyon this week with the volunteers of the association “Donner la main, gift de soi”, to offer presents to the homeless in addition to food, clothing, duvets and hygiene products distributed.
“As every year, to bring comfort to people who are on the street and also gifts that are made by families, children. It’s always a pleasure and always warm to the heart to be able to give them to people who are at home. street”, rejoices Santa Claus at the microphone of BFM Lyon.
And the presence of the man in the red suit and the long white beard provokes smiles and gives heart balm to the people who benefit from the operation.
I thought we had been forgotten. He comes to see us all the time. Marauding is love. They bring us blankets, a lot of love and a lot of humanity,” says Ishmael, homeless.
“This year, it’s super complicated because we know that a lot of structures will be closed in Lyon between Christmas and the New Year, unfortunately. But that’s super nice”, testifies David, also homeless .
“I am not heard”
The volunteers and Santa Claus have also joined children to ensure the distribution, such as Jélyssa, 9 years old: “It’s sad to see people who have no roof over their heads. I’m happy because we give them eat, drink and we give them habits. I’m going to ask my dad if I can come back”.
Jean-Marc Roffat, president of the association “Donner la main, gift de soi”, is sorry that there are still people on the street, especially young children.
“I despair because I campaigned in high places. I was received at the Elysée, I was received three times at the National Assembly, and I am not heard,” he laments.
He calls on Lyonnais to make a donation to those in need, so as not to leave anyone behind.