The collection, held throughout October, was remarkably successful, exceeding organizers' expectations. "We didn't expect so much," rejoiced Dominique Robert, from Céroux-Mousty and the initiative's originator. Donations included a wide range of items: shower gels, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby hygiene products, tissues, sanitary pads, urinary leak protection, and razors, often from well-known brands.
Bernard Pirson, the association's president based in Limelette, announced that these products will be sorted and distributed sparingly over several months, tailored to the needs of the families they assist. This effort serves as encouragement for the volunteers, especially as the Vincent de Paul association, affiliated with the European food bank, learned with regret of the latter's decision to cut its aid budget by 40%, thereby eliminating funding for hygiene products.
The residents' solidarity largely compensated for this reduction. Seven pharmacies in the town – Cœur de Ville, Ottignies, Wuiame, Benu, Petit Ry/Familia, Limelette/Europe, and Céroux-Mousty/Servais – along with Delhaize in Ottignies and the Di drugstore, supported the collection by providing containers for donations.
Nathalie Dujardin, lead pharmacist at Cœur de Ville, highlighted the pleasure of participating in this benevolent and supportive initiative, which was well-received by the public. She emphasized the social role of pharmacies, being on the front line for such actions. Those wishing to donate can still do so during the first week of November by bringing products to the pharmacy.
The Vincent de Paul association of Petit-Ry, with about twenty volunteers, supports 90 families, totaling over 200 individuals facing precarious situations in the municipality. It was recognized as an "association of honor" by the City in January 2019.
The association also collects unsold goods from several supermarkets and stores in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, including Delhaize, Aldi, Pain d’Antan, Boucherie Salam, Rypin, and Deli Traiteur. These items are stored in a recently renovated premises, adhering to Afsca standards, near the Saint-Pie X school. The association holds its regular sessions there on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering a friendly reception with coffee to beneficiaries. Home deliveries are also provided for those unable to travel.
