Employees renovate former thrift store

Twelve employees of Un toit pour tous participated in repainting the walls of a former thrift store at 11 rue Richelieu, which is now rented by the Secours populaire. The space, which has large glass windows and stone walls, was renovated using some of their holidays and considerable effort.

Collaboration across roles

The project involved caretakers, administrative staff, and company managers working together. The former thrift store was previously used by the Secours populaire, and the association now aims to develop new activities in the space, although it had not previously found the time for renovation.

New purpose for the space

Fabienne Lauron, general secretary of the Secours populaire du Gard, described the space as a "living space" intended for volunteer training, well-being workshops, and events for the Copains du monde, the association's children's volunteer movement. Solidarity sales will continue, particularly for the most vulnerable people.

Activities to begin soon

The first activities are scheduled for Monday, October 12, with the opening depending on event schedules, although Fabienne Lauron hopes to make the room active every day. The construction site is part of the third Solidarity Day organized by Un toit pour tous.

Voluntary participation

Each voluntary employee uses a half-day of RTT, with the general management granting the other half. The social housing company had launched a call for expressions of interest in the spring, and the Secours populaire proposed the renovation of this room.

Existing partnership

The two organizations already know each other, with employees of the landlord having previously participated in toy collections given to the association. This time, the focus is on giving a day of work. Audrey David-Mouysset, director of human resources, specified that employees are not forced to participate.

Volunteers and supplies

Among the volunteers are notably the caretakers Christophe, Jessica, Orkia, Linda, Nathalie, and Benoît, as well as Jérôme, director of the works management. Volunteers from the Secours populaire responded to a call for donations of painting supplies to limit expenses and purchases intended to be used only once.

Reusing existing materials

A sink or toilets from housing units rehabilitated by the landlord could equip the room rather than being destroyed. The Secours populaire aims to raise awareness of its missions among employees who may not necessarily see the full extent of them.

Encouraging continued involvement

Audrey David-Mouysset particularly mentions those approaching retirement who could discover, on this occasion, a volunteer activity to continue after their career. Fabienne Lauron hopes that this first construction site will encourage people to return to the Secours populaire, stating, "Here, the people, they committed one day. But the ideal is that they come back to the Secours populaire."