The Antibes Juan-les-Pins AVF was formed in 1995. It belongs to a national network of 350 AVF associations staffed by 10,000 volunteers who welcome more than 90,000 families each year around France. Robert Rouanet, the president, talked to us.
Infosville :Can you tell us about the events you are staging in the weeks to come?
Robert Rouanet :
The challenge for our new team is to continue the service for new arrivals and keep our office open as well as to keep up the number of volunteers who work on the premises and around the town.
The number of people attending workshops and events is remarkable. Perhaps it is the large choice (four levels of walks, five language classes and more) and the diversity of events (sailing classes, boat trips to Saint Tropez, Highway Code revision etc.). In May four days in Barcelona, a trip to Fréjus and the rocky inlets of Cassis and two days of boules on Cap d’Antibes are just some of the important events; the entire programme is too diverse to go into detail here.
Infosville : After more than a decade of existence, membership continues to grow. What do you put this down to?
Robert Rouanet : At the moment we have more than 400 members and have welcomed 80 new arrivals since September. This increase in the number of new arrivals is due to the great appeal of our town and region as well as our warm welcome which is awarded “Label +” once more this year thanks to all the great work of our team of some fifty friendly volunteers who are both efficient and knowledgeable about life in Antibes.
Infosville :What message do you want to give to people who don’t know about AVF and to people wishing to be volunteers?
Robert Rouanet : Welcome to everyone who has come to live in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, we are here to help you feel at home.
You can find out about us on our website and you can look at our bi-monthly newssheet and programme of activities. You can also come along and meet friendly people there to listen to you and help with all pressing needs.
