Confined, we can take the time to read more, try a passion, listen to French Morning podcasts, but also help others, in our own way. Because this health crisis also exacerbates the evidence of altruism, the desire to be useful on its scale. "Gigi" Harding, Nathalie Dahan and Bernard Khalili are among the French who are mobilizing to help the people "on the front line" of the Covid-19, whether they are cashiers, carers, police, garbage collectors or homeless.
A sewing machine to meet the shortage of masks
Accustomed to finding the perfect costume at Western Costume Company in Los Angeles, "Gigi" Harding has been confined to her loft in Downtown since Tuesday, March 17 in the evening, the day when her business closed "temporarily". Unable to telework, she decided to devote herself to personal “tailoring” projects, from the restoration of cowboy boots to the repair of a leather jacket from the 70s. Until she found a mission that is close to her heart: faced with the shortage of equipment, she makes anti-emission protective masks in fabric – alternatives to the surgical masks used by caregivers. "The union made a call for volunteers, offering manufacturing kits (with the right size fabric coupons, elastic bands and wire)", explains the Franco-American thirty-something. "You just need to have a sewing machine in your possession." Like many “costum design” professionals, she responded positively to this call, and made a first series of 70 masks in two or three days. "It’s satisfying to have a job, knowledge that can be useful. And I have the time and the equipment ", assures the one who has already piled up for a second batch intended for municipal officials and nurses. "The patterns were more elaborate the second time, the process is improving", points out this expatriate, installed in California for 10 years. With personal fabric, she also makes masks for her friends, as well as for the workers mobilized with the homeless of Skid Row. "They are less effective than N95, but reusable several times provided they are washed well in hot water." Each “batch” is deposited in a relay point, which is responsible for redistributing them. His only outing from the loft for over a month.
Chicken to treat caregivers and firefighters
Breaded chicken, croquette or grilled … The French rotisserie Coco Queen, open since last June in West Hollywood, runs the stoves at full speed two days a week. "I decided to feed the workers on the front line: the nurses, doctors, firefighters and police", describes Nathalie Dahan, one of the two owners. "They are the first responders, they put their lives in danger, some cannot go home or see their children … It is important to take care of them, to provide them with a hot meal", says the restaurateur. She was forced to close her restaurant, as there was not enough demand for delivery and "pick-up". "I wanted to contribute to the effort, but I didn't know how. A local resident asked me and put me in contact with the hospitals ", says the Frenchwoman. On Friday April 10, she delivered 80 meals to caregivers at the children's hospital. On Monday April 13, 80 others cheered firefighters and sheriffs in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Operations carried out on own funds, and which allow him to give work to his staff (paid by the day, and therefore unemployed). "If people want to donate, we could do more, deliver more people." Enough to give hope when the idea of a resumption of activity remains uncertain.
A call for donations to prepare for the wave
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uniform is used by business owner Bernard Khalili. Volunteer officer (“A very American concept”, he admits) with Hollywood station for almost 17 years, he's been on deck every other day, busy making "Education". “We are going to inform businesses, which are still open, if they are not essential like electronic cigarette stores; but also notify residents that the parks are closed. It’s preventative, we don’t put a ticket directly ”, assures this 51 year old Frenchman, expatriated in the United States for almost 30 years. Usually, he is assigned to patrols for the emergency police, and acts as a relay between the French and American anti-terrorist cells. Service for which he was decorated several times – knight of the national order of merit and the medal of honor of the national police for exceptional. Since the start of the crisis, he has been wearing a mask and gloves to fulfill his mission: "We still sometimes accompany ambulances to suspected criminals who show symptoms (twice last week)", he admits, recognizing that the number of crimes is decreasing. Bernard Khalili admits to having more time for this volunteering, given that his real estate company is on hiatus. However, he refused to lay off his 75 employees.
In parallel, he collects masks and other materials in his spare time “In anticipation of a possible shortage” with companies he knows and those close to him. “Even if the LAPD has enough stocks, I prefer to put them aside, just in case”, admits the one who stays in close contact with doctors, to meet their hypothetical needs (donations accepted, contact (email protected)). “Giving your blood, your time, your resources: this is the beauty of this country, and I contribute on my humble scale”, admits the fifties. "Being in a position to help people who are at their worst, that is why I decided to join the police after 9/11." To help, he also recommends that citizens “Stay at home, wear a“ homemade ”mask, wash your hands and respect social distancing. It's better to be part of the solution, than part of the problem. ”
Small daily actions to help your community
Delivery of groceries and medicines, help with homework for children, walking with pets, or comforting calls: these are some of the announcements posted by the French in Los Angeles on the self-help platform, created by the Union of French Abroad. Mostly, these are young workers and students who volunteer to provide services to compatriots living in their neighborhoods. In addition to the platform, during the entire confinement period, the UFE of Los Angeles organizes yoga and cooking workshops, as well as coaching sessions via Facebook.
