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Les foulées du sourire: a tea to support the fight against domestic violence in rural areas

Publish on 01.21.2025 by Les Jardins de Gaïa

"A Tea For Her" supports the "les foulées du sourire" association, which fights domestic violence in rural areas.

"Les foulées du sourire", which we support through our "Teas with a mission" range, is an Alsatian association that came into being after the death of Elisabeth, 48, murdered by her ex-husband in 2014, 6 years after the couple's separation.

Struck by this tragic death, Elisabeth's sister Patricia Legrand and her partner Régis Legrand decided to build something positive together so that this death would not be in vain...

The association was created in 2016 with the particularity of intervening in rural areas, where victims of domestic violence often encounter isolation and a lack of anonymity... Victims thus face additional difficulties specific to their environment and find it even harder to get out of their spouse's grip.

"In rural areas, it's complicated. People who are victims of violence often don't have the means to travel," explains Régis Legrand, also the association's president. Les foulées du sourire provides moral, logistical and financial support to victims, who often have to change their lives in a hurry to save their own existence.

"A deposit, rent, basic necessities, help with moving...in short, we can do a lot of things. We adapt to everyone's needs," explains Patricia Legrand.

Further information: www.lesfouleesdusourire.com

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Raising awareness through sport and education

From the outset, Régis and Patricia LEGRAND wanted to base their association around positive values, and the organization of the "Les foulées du sourire" race, which has taken place every year since, naturally came to mind. This sporting event that resurrects Elisabeth's smile is a revenge on fate, as Elisabeth and Patricia LEGRAND would have had to take part in a humanitarian race if this tragedy hadn't happened:

"At the beginning of June 2014, I had had the joy of validating with my sister our registration for the Sénégazelle 2015: a 100% women's humanitarian and solidarity race making it possible to combine sport and mutual aid action by bringing school supplies to children in Senegal. Unfortunately, this moment of sharing and emotion, planned for February 2015, was stolen from us, but she wouldn't have wanted me to abandon our most beautiful projects... I took part on my own, but with the pleasant sensation of meeting her there and feeling her close to me. Every smile, every look of love, every gesture of generosity embodied her soul...".

The "Foulées du sourire" is now a major sporting event in central Alsace, attracting large numbers of participants every year. By raising funds, the association helps victims of domestic violence.

The association is also determined to tackle the problem at its roots, by raising awareness in schools, because for its members, the key to combating violence lies in educating our children.

The formalities for obtaining the association's accreditation were completed in 2019, and since then the association has been organizing awareness-raising workshops using theater, photography and writing techniques, in a number of schools, including Wittisheim, where Elisabeth was originally from (quite a symbol).

In addition to these awareness-raising and prevention initiatives, the association is also on hand to help victims of domestic violence through a hotline.

Helping victims through a helpline

Initially, the "Les foulées du sourire" event (runs and walks) raised funds to donate to existing associations, but it soon became clear that there were many structures in major cities, but very few in rural areas.

The association therefore decided to carry out its own actions and set up a hotline for victims of domestic violence.

Initially staffed by a retired volunteer, the center quickly evolved into a part-time salaried position (now 80%) to meet the growing demand for support.

This helpline, which complements the awareness-raising activities through sport and education, is a concrete response to the need to listen to and take into consideration victims of domestic violence in rural areas, who often live in isolation.

In the most serious cases, it is also an opportunity to start a new life, putting their past suffering behind them.

TA506 Un thé pour elles ambiance - pack 2025

Un thé pour elles, a white tea recipe dedicated to women

To support this wonderful work, we have created "A Tea for Her" in our "Teas with a mission" range, with the principle of donating €0.50 per bag purchased to the association.

This recipe, based on a blend of white and green teas, reflects a reinvented femininity. Dedicated to women who change codes with dynamism, sensitivity and talent, it offers an original, gourmet experience with notes of tonka bean and mirabelle plum.

Don't hesitate to discover it by supporting us!

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