The second edition of the Kiwanis Var Ouest "Red Pieces" operation ended on September 13 with the presentation of a check for 4200€ for the benefit of the Foundation For Rare Diseases. This second edition was launched on February 28 and closed on August 31. Kiwanis glass piggy banks were placed in shops and supermarkets in an area stretching from Bandol to Toulon. The handing-over of the donations took place in the premises of the management of the Saint Musse hospital in Toulon which had joined the 2019 edition.
"This joint action was carried out with the Kiwanis clubs of the West Var, but also the one of Gap and the association of Blouses Roses", explains Uta Joulian, treasurer of the Kiwanis La Seyne Six Fours Saint Mandrier, delegated to rare diseases. "This action, initiated two years ago, allows Kiwanis to support the Rare Diseases Foundation in its fight against rare pediatric diseases, through the search for new diagnoses and new treatments.
Kiwanis is a service club which, through the organization of various events, raises awareness and promotes the cause of rare diseases throughout the country. More than sixty clubs have already mobilized alongside the Rare Diseases Foundation to accelerate research. Thanks to the support of Kiwanis clubs in various regions, nearly €118,000 has already been allocated to research projects.
The "Red Coins" initiative in a few figures: 69 bags of red coins for a total of 340 kg; 20543 coins of 0,01€, 22117 coins of 0,02 € or 1972 of 0,20 €! The work of the volunteers is thus quite sprawling for the collection of the boxes, the counting as well as the deposit with the banking organizations.
"As we (Kiwanis clubs) are very attached to the projects of the Foundation For Rare Diseases, we have embarked on the unprecedented collection of red coins" reports Uta Joulian. "It is not always easy to collect money that is destined to help outside the department for research projects. The operation, which runs from March to the end of August, does not interfere with other collections and allows us to have a satisfactory result. The good reception from the shopkeepers and the generosity of the donors are for me a real engine to continue. This project is a good way to communicate about the Rare Diseases Foundation and the vocation of Kiwanis clubs.