Dons Solidaires spreads its solutions in the Lyon region and opens an Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes branch

Dons Solidaires, a specialist in donating non-food products between companies and local associations, is rolling out its territorial expansion project by opening a branch in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The Métropole de Lyon, ONLYLYON Invest, and Ronalpia are supporting it at every stage of its establishment.

Dons Solidaires is an association focused on donating non-food products. Founded in 2004, it is opening a branch in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to extend its impact. Officially launched in June 2023, this new branch aims to strengthen local cooperation between companies and associations in the Lyon area.

Dons Solidaires, an association committed to fighting poverty and waste

Originating from Île-de-France, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines), Dons Solidaires is recognized as being of public utility. It collects new non-food products from companies and redistributes them to associations specialized in combating poverty throughout France. In doing so, it provides people in need with essential products that support their dignity and well-being, such as hygiene items, household cleaning products, childcare supplies, and toys.

Through its work, Dons Solidaires plays an active role in the social and solidarity economy. It also fights waste and promotes a circular economy at the local level. The association mobilizes a chain of solidarity that includes companies, social organizations, public authorities, and citizens.

Dons Solidaires, connecting local actors

For several years, Dons Solidaires has been strengthening its local presence through the engagement of volunteers. It is now taking the next step in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes by opening a regional branch with its first employee: Timothée Petitprez, branch manager. The official launch took place on June 13, 2023, during an event in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement, providing an opportunity for associations, companies, and local social economy actors to discuss poverty and non-food waste.

The establishment of Dons Solidaires in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will increase the association’s social impact in the Lyon region. With this new branch, Dons Solidaires aims to:

• Encourage local companies to donate products;
• Expand its network of partner associations to support more local anti-poverty organizations, including in rural areas;
• Build a network of volunteer citizens to maintain and develop links with its partner associations;
• Promote short-circuit donations between companies and local associations.

The Métropole de Lyon, ONLYLYON Invest, and Ronalpia support the establishment of projects that benefit the territory

The Métropole de Lyon is particularly attentive to socially useful projects and solutions that improve the daily lives of people in precarious situations. It is also committed to developing the social and solidarity economy and fighting waste in the Lyon metropolitan area.

For all these reasons, it supports and facilitates the deployment of Dons Solidaires on its territory, alongside Ronalpia and ONLYLYON Invest. The association is part of the 2023 cohort of social organizations selected to participate in their “Implantation” program. Together, over nine months, the three partners support Dons Solidaires in prototyping, scaling its operations, networking with local ecosystems, and establishing a strong local presence.

Business owners looking for a socially responsible way to redistribute unsold products (in line with anti-waste and circular economy laws such as AGEC) can join the Dons Solidaires network.