The concept of "benevolate" is very strong here in France. It translate as volunteering. Many French people undertake some sort of "benevolate", giving their time for free to train kids in a sports club or run an "association" (club).
This weekend there were two big events in my local area. The first was a "vide grenier" (car boot sale) to raise funds for the local primary school. The "Parents d'eleve", litterally "pupils' parents", organise fundraising events throughout the year. The autumn "vide grenier" is one of these, I wrote about it in 2012. This year I helped out with setting up the tables before and clearing up after.
Unfortunately the event was scheduled at the same time as the annual "Virade de l'espoir", thereby stretching the volunteer resources. The "Virade de l'espoir" is an annual, national event that raises money for Cystic fibrosis, or "Mucoviscidose" as it is called in France. In our village the event takes place next to a local lake. There is the obligatory "buvette" (tea stand), there was also one of these at the "Vide grenier", where drinks and snacks can be purchased. Crepes spread with Nutella are an essential ingredient of any self respecting "buvette". Then there are various stands offering prizes, a tombola, a book stall, a trampoline, and finally artistic displays by various dance and sport associations. My particular favourite is the country dancing club. The members are usually very serious and complain about not being able to dance in optimal conditions. Apparently a wooden floor is essential to any self respecting country dancer. The music often leaves me perplexed as a large part is more celtic than country, and the dance moves seem the same whatever the music. Finally no display is complete without a few 'yeehas' randomly thrown in. But it is all in a good cause and everyone present gives their time for free.
Since school went back in September (the rentree) every weekend has some type of event or activity that calls for volunteers.
