A Tour de France partner since 2003, the Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque (MCC) charity will once again be present during the 3 weeks of the event.
In fact, A.S.O. sponsors MCC, a charity created in 1996 by Professor Francine Leca and Patrice Roynette, to help underprivileged children suffering from heart problems to have surgery in France when operations are not possible in their native country. To welcome growing numbers of children, give them surgery and send them back home in good health: such is the goal of the association on a daily basis. As a result, more than 950 children have received surgery in 10 years thanks to the generous help of partner companies, foster families, private donators and many volunteers.
Throughout the event, teddy bear key-rings adorned with the “little heart” (the charity’s logo) and wearing the colours of the race’s distinctive leaders’ jerseys (yellow, polka dot, white and green) are on sale along with the Yellow Kit in the caravan and from the various stores.
MCC will also have a stand in the Tour village as part of the “Etape du Tour” event. The aim is to raise enough money from selling these key-rings to provide operations for more than 10 children!
Like every year, a certain number of sponsors have lent their support to the charity, led in 2007 by the jersey sponsors LCL-Le Crédit Lyonnais, Champion, PMU and Skoda, but also others such as Antargaz, Nestlé Aquarel, Eurotyre and Nike.
The support of these partners will help MCC to raise the budget required for operations for 15 children!
Each year, MCC organizes “L’étape du Cœur” which consists in inviting around twenty show-business and sports stars to ride a time-trial stage.
This year, the stars will be covering 54 kilometres around Albi (the 13th stage on Saturday 21st July 2007) and pedalling with all their heart as they proudly carry the charity’s colours.
In 4 years, the partnership with the Tour de France has helped save almost one hundred children!
To make a donation or for enquiries, visit www.mecenat-cardiaque.org
