“An extraordinary tour de force”. These are the words used by Julien Meimon, president and founder of Linkee, to designate the exceptional solidarity canteen organized in collaboration with PSG, this Saturday 16 November at the Parc des Princes. The event, which brought together 2,500 precarious students, the largest distribution of its kind in France, is part of the broader action of the capital’s club foundation, “PSG for communities”, especially in favor of young people.
Founded in 2000, the PSG Foundation has always been at the center of disadvantaged, sick or difficult children and young people. A year-long process in which the club wishes to involve its athletes, such as the footballers Gonçalo Ramos and Griedge Mbock, the handball player Luc Steins and the judoka Alexis Mathieu, present on November 16 at the Park to lend a hand . “Our area of interest for the PSG communities is young people, only young people,” explains Fabien Allègre, who manages the PSG foundation. And we are lucky enough to have players, whatever the discipline, always very sensitive to the causes we defend. »
There are multiple reasons: at the beginning of October the capital club presented its objectives for the season, with four major measures. The first is the solidarity canteen, which will return in March and this season will have to help a total of 8 thousand temporary students, almost double the total achieved since its creation in three years.
“Come on girls! », a program created in 2013, introduces girls aged 11 to 16, from disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Paris region, “to the benefits and practice of sport”. This season is about 75 girls from Poissy, Colombes, Vitry-sur-Seine. The “Legend Eleven” system trains soccer teams for autistic and neurotypical children. The rossoblù school provides academic support for children aged 7 to 11 and will open a new facility at the Necker hospital this season, “thus strengthening (the club’s) commitment to sick children”. since 2022, PSG has allowed 1,000 children in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh to have access to sport.
In total, the PSG Foundation organizes almost 450 operations every year. It is estimated that 300,000 children and young people have been helped, supported or accompanied since its creation in 2000. Every year, the PSG organizes its exclusive Foundation Gala which allows it to raise funds for its many actions.
How can partnerships between sports organizations and non-profits enhance community support for vulnerable youth?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Julien Meimon, President and Founder of Linkee
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Julien. It’s great to have you here, especially after the remarkable solidarity canteen event at Parc des Princes. Can you tell us a bit about what led to this extraordinary event?
Julien Meimon: Thank you for having me! The event on November 16 was indeed a special occasion for us. We partnered with PSG to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among students, particularly those from precarious backgrounds. With 2,500 students attending, it became the largest distribution of its kind in France, showcasing how sports organizations can positively impact their communities.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive! What role did PSG play in this initiative, and how did the collaboration come about?
Julien Meimon: PSG has a long-standing commitment to social responsibility through its foundation, “PSG for Communities.” This partnership was a natural fit, as their foundation focuses on supporting young people facing adversity. We worked closely with them to mobilize resources, and it was heartwarming to see athletes like Gonçalo Ramos and Griedge Mbock join us to lend a hand. Their presence helped underline the importance of this cause.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like an inspiring effort! Fabien Allègre mentioned that the PSG foundation is dedicated solely to young people. Why do you think targeting young individuals is so crucial in these types of initiatives?
Julien Meimon: Young people are the future, and they face unique challenges, especially in today’s economic climate. By providing support, whether through food or other resources, we empower them to focus on their education and personal development. When young people are supported, they can emerge into society as strong and capable individuals.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Speaking of empowerment, how can the broader community get involved in supporting these initiatives?
Julien Meimon: There are many ways to contribute! Organizations like Linkee often rely on volunteers for events like the canteen. People can donate food, funds, or even their time. Raising awareness about food insecurity among students is equally important; the more people know about these issues, the more likely they are to take action.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great call to action! Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of such initiatives in France?
Julien Meimon: I hope we can expand the reach of our programs and continue to build strong partnerships with organizations like PSG. The success of the canteen has shown us that when we unite our efforts, we can make a significant impact. Ideally, I envision a future where no student has to worry about food insecurity and where community support is a given, not an exception.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your vision, Julien. It’s incredibly inspiring to hear how these initiatives are making a real difference. We look forward to seeing how Linkee and PSG continue to support young people in the future!
Julien Meimon: Thanks for having me! I’m excited about what lies ahead, and together, we can contribute to a better future for our youth.