Amicale

The two associations we are pleased to highlight today have in common some wonderful stories of friendship that have lasted for years. Friendships that have made it possible to change the destiny of street children for one, and of a family of Tuareg jewellers for the other.

Couples dedicated to the cause of street children

It is the story of Gaby and Pierre Pfeiffer, a couple from Strasbourg who decided one day to go to India for a tourist trip. It was during their visit to Pondicherry that they met a man who turned their lives upside down: an Indian couple dedicated to street children. Gaby and Pierre describe with great emotion these extraordinary beings who have chosen not to conceive children to consider as their own the 300 boarders they are raising in the orphanage they have created. Children, some of them orphans following the 2004 Tsunami. Others were abandoned by their parents. Children whose suffering is immense.

"What can we do to help you? ». This question is at the origin of a wonderful story of friendship that has linked these two couples for years and which has led, for the Strasbourg couple, to the creation of the Alsatian branch of the Association "Les enfants des rues de Pondichéry". Home sales, going back and forth to buy handicrafts at their own expense, organizing events... we can see how dedicated this great couple is to the cause they defend. Thanks to their tenacity and dedication, Gaby and Pierre were able to cover 40% of the orphanage's operating costs, purchase equipment and help finance the higher education of some of the children who have grown up.

Wallets, jewellery, wool, silk or cashmere stoles, salt shakers, tunics will delight those who will be offered these extraordinary gifts. Not to mention the famous "Tulsi" also called "Elixir of Life", an infusion renowned for its many properties such as reducing stress, fighting infections and strengthening the immune system.

All the profits from the sales are donated to the orphanage in Pondicherry.

A sibling dedicated to the cause of a Tuareg family

While he was stationed in Agadez 15 years ago, Bruno Hugel met Ousmane Saidi and his family, the Tuareg jewellers. A family that has travelled the Sahara for years to sell jewellery. A unique know-how passed down from generation to generation that has contributed to their reputation. Unfortunately, due to the risks associated with terrorist attacks and banditry, Ousmane's family had to settle down, plunging the family into precariousness.

But Ousmane did not give up and went to France in the hope of sharing the know-how of his family and their jewellery friends with whom they now form a cooperative. Their survival was at stake. Upon learning of the situation, Bruno Hugel did everything possible to help his friend by offering him to present his creations at the Council of Europe Christmas market. Since then, Ousmane has been welcomed each year into his second family. A magnificent story to which Bruno's sister, Catherine Hugel, godmother of the exhibition, also contributes.

Come and meet Ousmane, a humble and touching man by his kindness and sweetness. You will discover magnificent silver jewellery handcrafted with great care. Some pieces are inlaid with ebony, others are decorated with semi-precious stones such as jade, onyx, agate whose positive effects on health are no longer to be demonstrated. In addition, there are bookmarks, letter openers, coasters and beautiful handmade leather boxes. Gifts full of meaning and unforgettable.