Teams from six Emmaus communities in the UK have returned from the French capital after taking part in the Salon Emmaus 2019.

On Sunday 23 June, a 20,000m2 hall at the Paris Expo welcomed more than 120 Emmaus groups from across Europe selling a wide range of items, with all money raised being used to support world-wide Emmaus International projects tackling poverty and social exclusion.

Teams from Emmaus Dover, Emmaus Colchester, Emmaus Gloucestershire, Emmaus Leeds, Emmaus Mossley and Emmaus Oxford travelled to Paris with van loads of bric-a-brac, clothes, textiles and small furniture items to sell at the event.

22-year-old Josh, a community member from Emmaus Leeds, was part of the team that attended the 19th Salon Emmaus in Paris.

“This was my first time abroad, but it has opened my eyes and made me want to experience different countries and cultures.

“Emmaus helped me get a passport and now I want to do more travelling. I really enjoyed meeting other communities and seeing how they do things differently. I learnt new things, made some great connections and feel really proud of how much our stall raised for solidarity.”

Josh, companion at Emmaus Leeds

Emmaus communities within the UK are part of a much wider Emmaus movement of 350 groups located in 37 different countries. This year’s Salon Emmaus also marked the 70th anniversary of the movement which was founded in France just after the Second World War.

“The annual Salon Emmaus is a fantastic opportunity to travel, learn, laugh and work together to support some very worthy projects around the world. This year was a warm one but very successful and everyone who was part of our team took a lot from the experience.”

Hazel Hodkinson, Retail Manager at Emmaus Mossley

The concept of solidarity, getting involved in volunteering and helping groups in need, is a central ethos of Emmaus and a motivation for those who helped at this year’s Salon Emmaus.

To find out more about Emmaus International head to https://www.emmaus-international.org/en/