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L’Olivier Refugee Center

By Chris Gichot de Fortis

Kraainem (31 March 2006).- There are times when living in a country where you do not speak the language can be intimidating. It can be a bit daunting even to those who are used to jumping in with both feet and learning the area and all that it has to offer. For those who would like to serve within the community also find themselves at a loss for opportunities to serve because of their limited language skills. Well, you may not know it, but there is a great way to participate and serve in the greater Brussels community without having to know either Dutch or French. 

The Grain de Vie and the L’Olivier Refugee Center have been working together for a number of years to provide bread for refugees living in the downtown area near the Gard du Midi. The Grain de Vie is a “social bakery.” It is a bakery that was developed by Mr. Vittorio de Santis, for the purposes of socially integrating adults that are differently abled. Most of his students have down syndrome. However, last summer Mr. De Santis also began a training program for adults who lack vocational skills. St. Anthony’s parish has supported the Grain de Vie in years past, and in fact this month’s charity appeal was dedicated to the support of the Grain de Vie.

Twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday, Grain de Vie fills up two big baskets of fresh bread which volunteers drive to L’Olivier for distribution. The L’Olivier provides the funds for the materials used in baking the bread, and Vittorio’s crew prepares and distributes the bread. The breadrunners, as we like to call ourselves, pick up the bread and deliver it by 11:00 for distribution. Most of the time the teams arrive at the Grain de Vie at about 9:45 to 10 am in order to have plenty of time to make it to L’Olivier. 

There are currently three teams. Each team is composed of two people, although some do the run alone. The purpose of the run is primarily to provide bread to those who need it. However, there are other benefits to participating. It is a good way to learn how to drive in Brussels, and a good way to get to know the city. My team has found some great neighborhoods in our attempts to find the “best” route to the O’livier. I have also met some wonderful people, and have gotten to know friends better during our rides into town. Not all who participate in the breadrun are members of St. Anthony’s parish, but St. Anthony’s members make up the majority and hopefully will continue to do so.

In addition to the two days a week delivery to L’Olivier, the Thursday team delivers bread to the church of Philadelphia, a Christian church that provides services to needy near the Botanique. Its doors are open to all, but many of its members are of Russian descent, as the pastor Violetta, comes from Russia. On Saturdays and Sundays, after services, the congregation is invited to a meal. Some members are homeless, most are not well off, and readily accept the invitation. The bread provided by the Grain de Vie is served during these meals. The Philadelphia breadrun began and continues due to the generosity of several members of our community. Unfortunately, several sponsors are leaving which will leave a gap in sponsorship. The monthly sponsorship for that run is 25 Euros a month. Please consider becoming a sponsor.

Recently another day Monday was added for bread delivery. Drivers are needed for that day and for Tuesday, as some of our drivers have also recently left. All that is required for becoming a bread runner is a cheery disposition, unless you are doing it alone, in which case it would not matter so much; a car, or a willingness to accompany someone who drives: No language skills are required. Vittorio speaks plenty English, and at the L’Olivier people are mighty pleased with the kindness that you offer with a simple “Bon jour”, and “Au revoir.”

If you would like some more information or would like to volunteer for the breadrun, please contact Ada at 02 731 87 60 or at danandada@skynet.be. If you would like more information on the O’livier please go to www.loliver.be, or on St.Anthony’s website at http://www.saint-anthony.be/olivier.htm. 

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