In August and September, over five half-days, 17 volunteers of Qim info worked with the Carouge foundation: Les Colis du Cœur. In groups of three or seven, they gave their time to the foundation.
What is the Colis du Coeur?
The foundation Colis du Coeur, created in 1993, distributes food and hygiene products to families and individuals in precarious situations and living in the Canton of Geneva. Every week, the 300 volunteers distribute aid packages to more than 6,000 people at 3 sites.
The foundation organizes 3 distributions per week:
- Rue Blavignac in Carouge on Tuesdays, from 1:30 pm to 8 pm,
- Salle du Môle in Geneva on Wednesday, from 1:30 pm to 8 pm,
- Pie X in Vernier on Thursday, from 1:30 pm to 8 pm,
Here is the feedback from Kaotar Hamdou and Phanie Colin, both administrative assistants at Qim info, who took part in one of this year’s distribution sessions.
What made you want to take part in one of these distribution sessions?
Kaotar: We’d both never taken part in this type of experience in a corporate context. So when we heard about the event, we jumped at the opportunity! And we haven’t looked back. 😉
What happens during an intervention?
Phanie: Once we got there, we were guided by Nadia, one of the association’s supervisors, who gave us a presentation of the different stands and the jobs to be done.
The first step was to check the eligibility of beneficiaries. Depending on their situation, each beneficiary receives different tickets for dry food (starchy foods), fresh food (fruit and vegetables) and hygiene products.
We were then assigned to the fresh produce department with Bastien and Loic, each with a dedicated and very specific role. We made a great team!
What did this experience bring you?
Kaotar: If one word had to sum up our feelings, it would be “useful”. We really enjoyed talking to the beneficiaries, and it’s satisfying to hand over products that will help them in their daily lives. We’re really lucky that Qim info asked us to take part in this initiative, especially as we’re doing it in our own time.
Would you do corporate volunteering again?
Kaotar and Phanie: Absolutely! If the scheme is renewed, we’ll sign up again next year.
Thanks to Jessica, Jennifer, Kaotar, Phanie, Maydine, Marion L, Sebastien, Marion G, Zouhere, Kevin, Jorys, Morgan, Thanh, David, Ina, Bastien and Loic for their participation!
And if you would like to get involved with the foundation in a personal capacity, simply contact Samantha Mondelice (samanthamondelice@colisducoeur.ch), the volunteer coordinator, and tell her about your availability.
