We are committed to the Restos du Cœur!

The report from the Inequality Observatory, published last June, shows that inequalities persist and are even increasing in France. Furthermore, according to INSEE, at the beginning of 2022, 14% of the population of metropolitan France was experiencing material and social deprivation*. This proportion reached its highest level since 2013, the first year it was measured.

Furthermore, in a context of rampant inflation, charities are struggling to address these inequalities, a striking example being the ever-increasing number of beneficiaries of Les Restos du Cœur (Restaurants of the Heart). This year, the charity founded by Coluche in 1985 has already assisted more than 1.3 million people, 0.2 million more than in 2022.

That is why, in response to the association's appeal for help on September 3rd, we chose the Vestiaire des Restaurants du Cœur de l'Hérault for an exceptional donation of 150 pairs of new winter shoes for women and men, worth over €20,000.

*Indicator that lists people who cannot cover expenses related to at least five of thirteen elements of daily life (such as being able to heat their home to the right temperature, buying new clothes, accessing the Internet or meeting with friends for a drink or a meal at least once a month).

Why Hérault?

For Jennifer Maumont, our co-founder: “As players in the ethical fashion sector in France, we provide concrete support to associations throughout the country. Alongside the associations and reintegration workshops we support in the Paris region, we chose the Montpellier region, where our warehouse is located, to help the most vulnerable people. Les Restos du Cœur are well-known for distributing meals, but all their other work on the ground receives less media attention. Yet, clothing and shoes, especially for winter, are essential for everyday life.”

In figures, this local branch, headquartered in Vendargues, currently manages 28 centers and 5 early childhood spaces across the department. It distributes food aid to 25,000 adults and 577 babies under one year old, representing 4 million meals in 2022/2023.

What is the Vestiaire des Restaurants du Cœur?

Les Restos de l'Hérault do not just distribute meals, they are also engaged on several fronts: personal assistance, integration, support in job search, access to rights, fight against illiteracy, school support, workshops promoting social connection, cultural actions and soon fight against digital insecurity.

But what people are less aware of is that they also distribute non-food items such as hygiene products, school supplies, clothing, and… shoes. "Changing room" areas for adults, children, and babies are available in centers whose facilities allow for this activity.

Is this donation useful?

Murielle Crinier-Pichereau, Deputy Departmental Manager for the Hérault department, explains: “This year, a mobile clothing truck has been set up to provide access to clothing for all the people welcomed in our centers. We generally have few shoes despite the demand; this is why the donation from JULES & JENN is a real help in meeting the needs of the people we welcome and a valuable contribution to the fight against poverty.”

It was on a beautiful September day that our team went to meet Murielle and her team, two lovely volunteers from the association, for a tour of the premises and an overview of the scope of their admirable background work with others.

Thank you to all the staff at our warehouse as well as to Murielle Crinier-Pichereau and her team of volunteers for their tireless fight against poverty in our country.