From August to September, over five half-days, 15Qim info volunteers worked with the Carouge Foundation: Les Colis du Cœur. In groups of five, they gave their time to other volunteers.
What is Les Colis du Coeur?
Founded in 1993, the Colis du Cœur Foundation distributes food and hygiene products to families and individuals in need in the Canton of Geneva. Every week, 300 volunteers at 3 sites distribute aid parcels to over 6,000 people.
Here’s what Kévin, Marc and Mathilde, 3 of our employees who took part in one of this year’s distribution sessions, had to say about their experience.
What made you want to take part in one of these distribution sessions?
Kévin: The concept, the desire to help others, to do something really useful.
Marc: I’d never done any voluntary work, and certainly not in Switzerland, in my previous professional life. But helping those in need seems to me to be a necessary part of our daily lives. In order to do a good deed, I got involved in the “colis du cœur” adventure.
Mathilde: I heard about it from colleagues who had already taken part in previous sessions, and I found it a rewarding experience.
What is the procedure?
Kévin: The operation takes place over half a day, starting with a briefing to welcome the volunteers. The distribution is divided into several stations, from reception to product distribution, and each person is assigned to a post. The different teams then carry out their role, and you can switch shifts regularly so that you see all aspects of the distribution.
Marc: As soon as we arrived, we were briefed and asked to help distribute food to around 300 people. We were able to talk to all kinds of people: children, students, people living in poverty, but also people who, in a country that is so rich, still find it hard to make ends meet.
Mathilde: Right from the start, we were split into different positions. I was in a team with 2 other people who showed me how to welcome and serve the beneficiaries. When they arrive, we scan a card that tells us the number of items to give them, then we let them choose the ones they prefer.
What did this experience give you?
Kévin: A change of scene – it’s always fulfilling to get away from the daily grind, to carry out tasks that are out of the ordinary and that provide help to people in need.
Marc: to be complementary and useful to society. It’s not just about doing a good deed, it’s about helping others.
Mathilde: It was gratifying to see that we could make a difference to people’s day: they often arrived looking a little glum, but left with a smile on their faces. My two colleagues were extremely kind, both to me and to the people we served.
Would you repeat the experience of corporate volunteering?
Kévin: Without a doubt, it’s an activity that brings positive benefits to all concerned. I see no reason to give it up.
Marc: Absolutely, this experience takes us out of our comfort zone and makes us realize how lucky we are on a daily basis. The Colis du Coeur beneficiaries are people like us.
Mathilde: Without a doubt!
Thanks to Julie, Grégoire, Marine, Ina, Marc, Bastien, Axelle, Morgan, Maydine, Mathilde, Zeinab, Alex, José, Jean-Baptiste and Kévin for their participation!
And if you’d like to get involved with the association in a personal capacity, just contact Samantha Mondelice (samanthamondelice@colisducoeur.ch), the volunteer coordinator, and let her know when you are available.