Jean-François Vioche was one of our favourites (the only man as far as I know !) suffering from the Charcot's desease. He was known to everyone of the SFB (or almost) but he had not got around so much since his desease. Kim and I came to see him regularly to provide him with help, comfort... and we brought him many "kisses" from many ladies (Pascale, Blandine, Maryse and... many more).He died on the 03/03/2013 and was 74 years old.His daughter, Katy, shares the following message with us :"Thanks to the SFB my father managed to find a little French comfort in a city that is so different from his. A wonderful organisation that helped support him and I am especially grateful to a few who knew him even more closely and who he considered to be good friends.", Patrick Dewaest and Katy Vioche
Testimonial
"The French benevolent Society is a model of association the Consulate relied on to assist those of our compatriots who face difficulties. I am proud to be one of its Trustees and to enjoy and appreciate closely the commitment of the volunteers who do not spare their time and enthusiasm to provide the French nationals who request them with financial and moral support. I would like to thank these volunteers and to tell them that they can be assured of the gratitude of the Consulate's entire team. SFB deserves to be supported in order to carry on its action it has been leading for the French in London's sake for more than a century and a half", Olivier Chambard, nouveau trustee, Consul Général de France à Londres (French letter translated in English)
"I learnt about your Society this autumn. I was delighted to be welcome at the dispensaire by Blandine and Pascale with a large smile and much kindness. This meeting was like a turning point in the life I have been living in London. Until then, I was totally isolated and I had only my son to speak French with. Beside, I do not speak nor understand English. I am also suffering and my mobility is impaired (wheelchairs).In the last months, the Society offered me a companion for a ballet, an invitation for a lunch at the Residence of the Ambassador of France and his wife and a friendly pancake party for Candlmas in a crêperie. Beside, I had the pleasure to be visited by the Society's volunteers and now I can say that life is much sweeter for me because I feel supported", Michèle (French letter translated in English)
When I arrived in London in January 2012, I was full of hope and good resolutions. Therefore, as soon as I arrived, I was expecting anything but to tackle problems ! What a piece of luck, when I find out this French charity. What a warm welcome, they did not judge me, they were very attentive and open and they give me discerning advice. I was received financial support which put me on the right tracks again and provided me with job guidance. Bingo ! I did not wait too long for results : I found a job and I was back to an enjoyable life. The French Benevolent Society was there when I needed it the most. I could not be more grateful ! And what is the most interesting is that I have found as a second family ! THANK YOU, Marc (French letter translated in English)