Volunteering in Orleans
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Orleans is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Orleans. It provides a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, improve language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. By dedicating some time to a cause, expats can form lasting connections and make a positive impact in their new home.
Restos du Cœur
Restos du Cœur is a prominent French charity that provides food assistance to those in need. Volunteers help with food distribution, sorting donations, and assisting with administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis. With multiple locations in Orleans, this organization is easily accessible for expats looking to give back to the community.
Website: restosducoeur.org
Location(s): Multiple locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (weekly or monthly)
Secours Populaire Français
Secours Populaire Français is dedicated to fighting poverty and discrimination. Volunteers can participate in various activities such as fundraising, event organization, and community outreach. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project, but generally, volunteers can expect to contribute a few hours per week.
Website: secourspopulaire.fr
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Croix-Rouge Française
The French Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Française) is a well-known organization that focuses on humanitarian aid and emergency response. Volunteers can assist with emergency services, first aid training, and social support programs. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per month to more regular involvement.
Website: croix-rouge.fr
Location(s): Multiple locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours per month to regular involvement)
Emmaüs
Emmaüs is an international movement that works to combat poverty and homelessness. Volunteers can help with sorting and selling donated items, as well as assisting with community projects. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer on a regular or occasional basis.
Website: emmaus-france.org
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (regular or occasional)
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres is dedicated to supporting isolated elderly individuals. Volunteers can provide companionship, assist with daily tasks, and participate in social activities. The time commitment is typically a few hours per week, with opportunities to volunteer on weekdays or weekends.
Website: petitsfreresdespauvres.fr
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Unicef France
Unicef France works to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide. Volunteers can assist with fundraising, advocacy, and educational programs. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project, but generally, volunteers can expect to contribute a few hours per week.
Website: unicef.fr
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Solidarités International
Solidarités International is a humanitarian organization that focuses on providing aid to populations affected by conflicts, epidemics, and natural disasters. Volunteers can assist with logistics, administration, and community outreach. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per month to more regular involvement.
Website: solidarites.org
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours per month to regular involvement)
Téléassistance Orleans
Téléassistance Orleans provides support to elderly and disabled individuals living alone. Volunteers can assist with daily phone calls, home visits, and emergency response. The time commitment is typically a few hours per week, with opportunities to volunteer on weekdays or weekends.
Website: teleassistance-orleans.fr
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Orleans Nature
Orleans Nature is an environmental organization that works to preserve and protect the natural heritage of the Orleans region. Volunteers can participate in conservation projects, educational programs, and community events. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project, but generally, volunteers can expect to contribute a few hours per week.
Website: orleans-nature.org
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Banque Alimentaire de Loiret
Banque Alimentaire de Loiret is a food bank that collects and distributes food to those in need. Volunteers can assist with food collection, sorting, and distribution. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis.
Website: banquealimentaire45.org
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (weekly or monthly)
Habitat et Humanisme
Habitat et Humanisme is an organization that works to provide housing solutions for low-income families and individuals. Volunteers can assist with renovation projects, administrative tasks, and community support. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per month to more regular involvement.
Website: habitat-humanisme.org
Location(s): Various locations in Orleans
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours per month to regular involvement)
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.