23rd Téléthon weekend

An important day today - the start of the 23rd Téléthon, a popular television event that involves everyone throughout the whole of France. The event is held to raise money to fund research on rare diseases. Each year over 5 million people take to the streets for the event, a festival sometimes described as "July 14 in winter", and it is a sort of social bond for many French people.

Last year 104 million euros was raised during the event weekend, nearly half coming from the street events; sales of crêpes, bric-a-brac, sales of items knitted by volunteers, bike races, balloon releases and so on. The rest comes from the 'phone-in donations during a 36 hour television marathon, with all French state television channels involved.

Each of our village associations organised something different, but all with the same aim of raising money.

Problems

There is a small blot on the scene this year however which threatens to dampen the spirit of those who participate and those who give their money. The high fashion designer, millionaire Pierre Berge, who is the President of Sidaction (an organisation trying to raise money for research into AIDS and helping to develop new drugs), sparked an uproar which threatens to cause problems.

He accused the French association against Myopathies (AFM), whose funds depend mainly on Téléthon money, as being "a parasite on the generosity the French people". Rather than the whole money raised going to a charity which funds research into disease affecting a small minority, he proposes to share the money raised with other equally serving causes. In addition, he pointed out the vast sums of money that the association put in banks just to earn interest income, rather than spending on research. I believe he is right in this aim.

Montblanc Téléthon

However, that did not stop the Téléthon and all the fund-raising events today. Our village of Montblanc is no exception, and despite a cooler than normal November day, the village Place was full, with people participating in this annual event.

This event started at 8.30 with the sale of "d'Oreillettes", a large and sweet crispy thin wafer, already prepared by a local artisan and boxed ready to take home (photo left). Every city, town and village will be taking part, holding special attractions and events, with the sole aim of raising money for the charity involved.

Then at 9.00 the first of "Randodonnee Cycliste", a leisurely bike ride of around 60 kms (leisurely for the French that is - a marathon for my husband!), taking in several neighbouring villages. Just after this event started, the local motorcycle club (around 40 members) set off on their adventure, raising money as they go.

Around the Place there were many market stalls, quickly erected by volunteers to host various sales pitches. This included the sale of fresh oysters, direct from Bouzigues, a coastal with the largest oyster beds on the Mediterranean and just down the road from us, so to speak. There are also stalls selling various hand-made items. Face-painting for children, release of balloons with messages quickly written on their labels, everything is in full swing.

Fishing in the village fountain

Members of Pescofis - the local fishing club, even commandeered the village fountain, filling the water with trout! Children paid to hire a small fishing line to hook the fish, the successful ones proudly giving them to mum to take home for the evening meal. The photo below shows children deciding which of the trout they will catch when the event starts.

The large barbeque was doing extremely well, selling burgers, sausis and fries - delicious. Then one stall sells other food, something typically French - crêpes!

My best friend Martine (in the centre of the photo) was making and selling these.

She confided in me that as she is originally from Brittany in the north, it's only correct that she makes them. After all she says, it is a Bretagne delicacy, and she makes them properly - not like they do in the south.

The event will continue tonight, with a dance in the village hall, and with a large Lotto organised for tomorrow afternoon.

We're not sure how much money has been raised yet, but everyone has worked extremely hard to make this event a success.