“The whole city is coming here!” : in Nanterre, the Authenti-Cité association offers Christmas to 250 families

“It's good that people are dedicated.

Solidarity still exists…” Aroussia left the association with a full shopping cart and a smile on her face.

This Saturday afternoon, Authenti-Cité carried out a large-scale charity operation in the heart of the Pablo-Picasso district, in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine).

For the tenth consecutive year, this structure fighting against exclusion has distributed food parcels, gifts, "Christmas boxes" and other make-up kits to 250 families in the city, including "three quarters of Pablo".

Created 29 years ago, Authenti-Cité, with its two employees and its thirty volunteers, is now known and recognized.

Its daily action has attracted significant partners for its operations like this Christmas.

Companies ― RTE (Electricity transport network), Dunand coaches, Khadi Market ― and associations such as Don solidaire and above all the NGO Life, as part of its "extreme cold campaign", have gotten their hands on the poached.

Nanterre, December 24.

A queue formed a few minutes before the launch of the parcel distribution.

LP/Olivier Office

Shortly before 1:30 p.m., tension rose in the premises.

Tons of food in one room, dozens of gift packages neatly stored in another, and a small army of carefully briefed volunteers added to the vigil vigil of arms.

The 250 families on the list were sent to Authenti-Cité by social services and the associations themselves.

Each received a food parcel worth 50 euros, a toy per child, a Christmas box and a make-up kit, hygiene products and an educational game offered by Life.

"Without them, there would be no Christmas for some children"

“This solidarity New Year's Eve is one of our great moments of the year.

Everyone gives of their time and strength,” enthuses Loubna Benazzi, director of Authenti-Cité.

“The organization must be millimetered,” she adds, welcoming her troops made up of as many teenagers as adults or retirees.

A queue begins to stretch on the sidewalk of avenue Pablo-Picasso.

“This kind of action is important for people like us who have low incomes.

It's a real boost that allows us to end the year, ”slips a woman.

We exchange smiles, memories, everyone knows each other.

For nearly thirty years, Authenti-Cité has been fighting against administrative and therefore digital exclusion, providing educational support and increasing cultural, recreational and educational activities.

“We are part of everything the city has in terms of solidarity networks, mutual aid, access to rights, etc.

“Summarizes Loubna.

Nanterre, December 24.

The 250 families in the city left with, Christmas oblige, one gift per child.

LP/Olivier Office

"The whole city comes here," says Amira Lakehal, a mother.

They do a tremendous job in all areas.

If my children succeeded in school, it is thanks to them!

Mahatie, a young mother nods her head.

"A distribution like today is very important," she says.

For adults but also for children.

Without them, there would be no Christmas for some children…”

This action completed, Authenti-Cité is not yet finished.

This Sunday morning, the association's volunteers will distribute some 150 meals and clothing kits to homeless people at the Center for Hospitality and Care (Cash) in Nanterre or La Défense.