Beaune: The Truckers of the Heart are organizing their fifth rally against serious illnesses.

Two days of entertainment for a good cause. The Palais des Congrès parking lot will host the fifth gathering of the Camionneurs du Cœur on May 31 and June ^1. Approximately 130 trucks, both new and old, all decorated, as well as vehicles from the Chalon-sur-Saône joint base, are expected on site.

There will also be numerous stalls and activities: a driving simulator, a tattoo artist, a barber, children's face painting, rides, and truck maneuvering demonstrations. All this will be complemented by country dancers, singers, and majorettes. One of the highlights: the concert by Les Forbans, a legendary rock band, which will perform on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. This weekend will also mark the association's fifteenth anniversary.

Indeed, it all began in 2010, during a meeting at a truck stop between an employee and a truck driver. They were Brigitte Bourgeon and Daniel Palmieri, who was inexhaustible about his road work. They then decided to create the Camionneurs du Cœur, the heart, because the family was dealing with heart disease, and Daniel Palmieri took over as its president.

"The goal is to help children with illnesses and their families. There are so many needs and incredible illnesses, so many parents who need support," says Brigitte Bourgeon, current president of the association based in Montagny-lès-Beaune, which has created a web radio studio .

"We grew and became known thanks to the immense solidarity of truckers," the president also confided. A Christmas Tree for Ayden was the first operation in a huge surge of solidarity that continued in the same spirit with the help of partners. "Over the years, we have helped several children in different ways with equipment, money, a service dog..." Thus, in 2023, for example, a check for 10,000 euros was presented by the Camionneurs du Cœur for little Athénaïs, aged 18 months, so that she could have surgery in the United States.

▶ To attend the concert, places are limited, it is advisable to book now at 07 69 09 15 25 or by email at the association: [email protected].

Info. Open Saturday, May 31st from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, June ^1st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Palais des congrès in Beaune. Admission prices: €5 one day and €8 for both days - Concert: €12.

130

As the number of trucks expected on May 31 and June ¹ .