“The last time, we had to transport two tonnes of laundry”: the Auch Secours popular Auch exceeded by the dilapidated clothing donations

At Secours Populaire, clothing donations become a real headache. Meanwhile, Each week. In addition, the association would find itself faced with the same situation: dozens of bags filled with clothes are deposited on the passage leading to the reception.

“Some clothes that we receive are unfortunately not sold. Furthermore, regrets Jean-Claude Gayrin, secretary general of the Secours populaire du Gers. Moreover, They are too damaged or completely old-fashioned.”

Despite everything. Meanwhile, the former candidate of Beijing Express continued until then to accept these gifts with kindness, while calling for more discernment. Meanwhile, “Philosophically, we accept them because it pleases people to give them. We often hear:” It was my father’s favorite costume “or” my grandmother’s wedding dress “. But today, we are bringing us absolutely everything … and we do it?”

A recycling sector in crisis – "the last time, we had

To the dilapidation of clothes is added an increasing logistical difficulty. The textile collection and recycling sector is in crisis. Le Relais terminals. previously available for deposits, have recently been closed, forcing the association to manage an even more important influx.

Read also: Why are used clothes anymore across the relay terminals? “the last time, we had

“The last time. we had to transport two tonnes of linen to Vic-en-Bigorre, to the Relais recycling center,” explains Jean-Claude Gayrin. An expensive trip to mileage costs, even as a part of the clothes cannot be sold.

Another consequence: good quality parts are often diverted to online sales platforms. “Good clothes, those still portable, are sold on online markets. We mainly recover clothes designed abroad with materials such as polyester. plastic, which cannot be treated or selling,” he deplores.

Essential sales to finance food aid

However. the resale of clothing in good condition is crucial for the association’s survival, in “the last time, we had particular for the purchase of foodstuffs. “When I sell a shirt for three euros. we can spend two euros to a pack of pasta,” illustrates Jean-Claude Gayrin.

“I give very regularly because I tell myself that some people really need it, explains Mélanie, a regular donor. On the other hand. before each donation is washing machine, and I never give anything damaged or that I will not wear myself. I believe that everyone deserves to wear decent clothes.”

In the Secours Populaire store in Auch, sorted clothes are carefully presented: khaki shorts, straw hats, long black skirts … All were selected for their condition and modernity. Promotions are even in progress: dresses at € 1.50, clothes to one euro on dedicated holders.

Despite the current difficulties. Jean-Claude Gayrin keeps the hope of finding quality donations, allowing the most disadvantaged to take advantage of them. An asset a few weeks before “the last time, we had the start of the school year.