A fundraising campaign named Brioche has started in France, organized by the Unapei (National Union of Associations of Parents, Mentally Handicapped Persons and Their Friends). The campaign runs from Monday, October 5, to October 11, with volunteers collecting donations in partner supermarkets and stores. In the city of Arles, the collected funds will support the 69 residents of the Mas Saint-Pierre residence and the 35 individuals with disabilities who attend the facility for day care. From October 5 to 9, volunteers from Unapei La Chrysalide, the organization managing Mas Saint-Pierre, will be at the Intermarché de Fourchon, selling brioches (a type of French sweet bread) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will also be present at the Arles market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Thanks to donations from previous years, Mas Saint-Pierre has created a sensory garden and an outdoor space aimed at promoting the residents' autonomy, well-being, and personal fulfillment. This year, the funds raised will help renovate the petanque court (a French lawn game) and add a pergola for shade. The organization also plans to purchase a third musical kiosk known as "Handi-Mélo." An animator at Mas Saint-Pierre explained that the kiosk is "a gold mine, a powerful tool, very intuitive, and very fun. It can be used as a jukebox with over 4,000 tracks or for visual and auditory activities, supporting the residents in carrying out their projects."
Unapei La Chrysalide continuously works to improve the living conditions of its residents, striving to be more inclusive, human, and kind. Established 41 years ago, the organization supports adults from the age of 18 until the end of their lives. The oldest resident is 72, and the youngest is 19. Isabelle Le Gall, the director, said, "It is the association's will to allow the people who live here to stay until the end." The facility includes six villas with 12 rooms each. One villa is specifically adapted for people with aging disabilities, while another, called "La coloc," is designed for younger residents aiming to increase their autonomy.
The organization's main objective is to help each resident, based on their abilities, to direct their own life project while providing the necessary support to achieve their goals. This approach emphasizes personal choice and independence, ensuring that all individuals can lead fulfilling lives according to their unique needs and aspirations.
Local Fundraising Campaign Aims to Improve Facilities for Residents with Disabilities in Arles
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