"On Seniors Side" in Paris with "Lire et Faire Lire"

In June, On Seniors’ Side traveled to Paris to attend an event organized by an association we support, held at the Damart Haussmann store.

The organization, *Lire et faire lire*, engaged directly with the store's customers. The goal? To leverage an audience that shares similar values ​​in order to recruit new volunteer storytellers and expand the reading network within the capital.

Encounters in the heart of the Damart store

As the Foundation is an integral part of the Damartex ecosystem, bringing the association and customers together in store was obvious. A dedicated space has been set up for the event, offering a friendly setting around refreshments and delicacies.

Customers were able to speak directly with Irène Stehr, coordinator of the Read and make people read Paris program, as well as with active volunteers. This day of discussions made it possible to concretely explain the association's mission: to mobilize volunteers over 50 years old to offer reading sessions to children in nurseries, nursery schools and elementary schools.

Testimonials: Why do older adults get involved with children?

On site, we had the opportunity to interview several dedicated volunteers. Their accounts highlight the richness of this intergenerational adventure:

"It brings me such joy!" > "I’ve worked with children throughout my professional life. Sharing the pleasure of listening, using one’s imagination, and expanding their vocabulary—all without pressure—is a source of pure, shared happiness."

"Discovering books and building connections" > "The training sessions provided by *Lire et faire lire* are incredibly enriching. But what moves me most is the quality of the interaction with the children and the fascinating discussions that follow every story."

"A shared pleasure that fosters growth" > "Whether it’s toddlers who love touching the books or older children who still clamor for a story, reading opens a door to the world. It allows them to learn a great deal while having fun."

A big thank you to the team at the Damart Paris store for their warm welcome, as well as to everyone who took the time to come by, chat, and sign up to become future storytellers!