As part of the skills-based pro bono initiative launched by the Onet Group, the Legal & Compliance team traded their files for clothes hangers for an afternoon of community service. Here’s a look back at a meaningful project in support of the nonprofit La Cravate Solidaire in Marseille.
On October 2, the Onet Group’s Legal & Compliance Department visited the Marseille offices of the nonprofit organization La Cravate Solidaire. This initiative, led by Anne-Caroline Fassino-Akinian, Director of Legal & Compliance, had two goals: to bring teams together around a meaningful cause and to make a tangible contribution to the local nonprofit community.
Beyond team building, this initiative aimed to support a vital cause: the fight against discrimination in hiring. As the organization points out, the goal is to help job seekers succeed in their interviews, specifically through three key steps: providing appropriate attire, conducting mock interviews, and taking professional headshots for their resumes.
The 12 employees in attendance were welcomed with coffee and a presentation about the organization, and they were quickly put to work. The main task for the afternoon? Sorting supplies—a crucial but time-consuming step for the organization.
In a friendly atmosphere, the team set to work sorting, labeling, and organizing the donated clothing. Although this “behind-the-scenes” effort often goes unnoticed, it is essential to the organization’s smooth operation. As the year comes to a close, La Cravate Solidaire is preparing to collect nearly 3 to 4 tons of secondhand clothing.
“Having such a large team—12 people, to be exact—gives us a huge boost in managing this sorting process, which is very time-consuming on a daily basis,” says Mathieu Delot, Manager of La Cravate Solidaire Marseille
This afternoon also provided an opportunity to raise employees’ awareness of the realities faced by the job seekers we support, particularly through an interactive quiz on discrimination and a “surprise report.”
While this initiative provides valuable operational support to the organization, it also resonates deeply with our staff. By helping to sort through the clothing, we are indirectly helping to build the confidence of future job seekers.
Anne-Caroline Fassino-Akinian speaks to the value of this commitment:
“It’s rewarding to think that we made a difference today. It’s a small contribution—just one afternoon—but I hope it made a meaningful difference. It’s also really interesting to see the growth of the nonprofit sector in Marseille and to be part of that ecosystem.”
This initiative demonstrates the power of pro bono work: a program that allows each employee to volunteer up to two days of work time per year to support a nonprofit organization.
As Mathieu Delot reminds all employees who may still be hesitating:
“Skills-based volunteering is a reality, and you can dedicate some of your time—even if it’s just half a day or an hour—to a local nonprofit. The benefits for both the organization and yourself are tenfold.”
Would you like to volunteer to support a nonprofit organization? Contact us to find out about volunteer opportunities in your area.