During the development of the year orientation, our EHPAD community of Ker-Anna, in Sainte Anne d’Auray -in Brittany, FRANCE- had decided, among other things, to open up more to the outside world, asking: “How can we act in solidarity with others?”
We first noted the actions implemented in our house: creations made for the Telethon, newspaper collection for the CCFD (Catholic Committee Against Hunger and for Development), collect corks for ‘Fleur de bouchon 56’ or even collect school supplies for SETAM (Solidarity, Education, Témoignage Auray, Madagascar). These actions are carried out with complete discretion and residents are not always solicited to participate: it is in this reflection that the desire to make these actions more visible and above all more participative was born so that everyone can feel themselves actors of this solidarity.
Among these commitments, particular emphasis was placed on the partnership with SETAM. This association allows to give a concrete meaning to the donations and actions carried out within the EHPAD, by directly linking them to faces, paths and projects carrying hope. The funds and supplies collected help to support Malagasy children and young people enrolled at the School of Hope, in Antananarivo.
In this context, Marc Kernen, head of communication at SETAM, came to meet us to present the association, its actions, and the realities of daily life in Madagascar. Following this meeting, a school supply collection point was created and set up at the entrance of the EHPAD, allowing everyone to participate concretely in this wave of solidarity. The mobilization was such that the president of SETAM and his wife came personally to recover the harvest, highlighting the importance and value of the commitment of our community.
Moreover, Marc also returned during the Christmas market of the EHPAD to offer for sale productions made by Malagasy children, thus offering a new opportunity for support and awareness.
This dynamic of sharing will continue, since Marc will return soon to present his trip to Madagascar. This time of exchange will allow to put images, testimonies and stories on the supported actions, further strengthening the link between here and there.
Through these initiatives, our community affirms its desire to open up more to the outside world and to make solidarity a living, concrete experience shared by all.
Community of Ker Anna. SAINT-ANNE D’AURAY. Published on 9 January 2026
EHPAD: Establishment of Accommodation for Dependent Elderly People
Photo 1. Sisters preparing the harvest point
Photo 2. Our collection point at the reception of the EHPAD
Photo 3. September 4: Valentine and Marc hold a stand at the Christmas market of the EHPAD
Photo 4. September 15 2025: meeting with Valentine and Daniel president of SETAM
