A Helping Hand - Volunteering

Written by Riviera Reporter

Sharon Stone, a huge advocate of amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research) commented in an interview once that to be famous and not do anything with it is vulgar. Kudos to Sharon but as I’ve spent many years as a volunteer, I can’t help but feel that all of us have something to contribute. It’s odd that in a place like the Côte d’Azur where many can give the two things required most – time or money – volunteer organisations seem hard to find. After much digging I’ve discovered they do exist although in some cases French is required. Here’s what you can do to help:

A.D.E. (Les Amis des Enfants) develops and finances humanitarian aid for Sudanese children as well as promote local awareness. Contact Muriel Tran Ngoc Phu 04 93 82 93 97

AMNESTY INT’L: Call Francine Berger in Nice 04 93 13 44 43

DES PETITS FRÈRES DES PAUVRES: Needs volunteers for home or hospital visits and emotional support for those over 50. Office in Antibes. Contact: Erwan Grillon 04 91 18 55 55

SCAMT: See Clubs & Associations on the main site. In the fall Sheena and three young documentary makers will travel through Croatia filming along the way. We will be talking with this team in a future issue. To see what you can do to help contact Sheena: 04 93 65 69 44 SOS

PETITS COEURS: Founded in 1996 by Martine Théhard whose sole motivation was her love for children, and in this case, children who are victims of violence, sexual abuse and mental cruelty. “It’s important that the children feel that they receive the same as other children and not second-hand things as they already have a lot of pain to deal with. So the homes ask us to provide new products which make the children feel special and thought of. I would appreciate any volunteers and any donations of money, toys or computers, printers, etc. All would be gratefully accepted,” co-ordinator Mairead Barley tells us. Volunteer criteria: free time, speak French and love of children. Contact Mairead also about a house-painting project in Corsica. 04 93 65 10 09/06 86 50 75 25

LES CHIENS GUIDES D’AVEUGLES: Take-in and train future guide dogs (see Reporter n° 92). To see of what assistance you can be or to register online see website www.chiensguides.org

UNICEF: Call Dianne Brothwell in Nice 04 93 80 89 39

“SOLIDAR, LIVRES” holds an annual book sale in Antibes in support of needy children. Books, time and shoppers needed. Contact: 04 93 33 68 40