The Perce-Neige foundation, celebrating sixty years of commitment!
Christophe Lasserre‑Ventura has chaired the Perce‑Neige association since 1995, continuing the work initiated by his grandfather, Lino Ventura, to support people with disabilities and their families.
On the occasion of the organization’s 60th anniversary, which Société Générale Private Banking has supported since 2018, he shares how Lino Ventura’s vision has taken shape across France and the challenges that still remain.
How was Perce-Neige founded?
My grandfather made a heartfelt appeal on December 6, 1965, on ORTF television, the cry of a father of a child unlike others. He was deeply moved by the lack of care solutions for people with disabilities and decided to use his public profile to support this cause, which he pursued until the end of his life.
This nationwide call sparked an extraordinary wave of public support, leading to the creation of the association as early as 1966.
How do you support people with disabilities?
In 1982, Perce‑Neige opened its first residential facility in Sèvres before gradually expanding across the entire French territory. Today, we manage 60 Perce‑Neige homes and services, welcoming nearly 1,600 adults and children with disabilities. Our mission is simple in principle, yet demanding in practice: to provide tailored support in a respectful and caring living environment.
We also carry out listening and advisory initiatives for families, as well as information and awareness‑raising actions.
What values unite all your establishments?
Three pillars underpin our work, directly inspired by my grandfather’s personality: generosity in daily support, filled with joy and humanity; respect for residents, through a deep understanding of their individual situations and needs; and finally rigor, ensuring that our work is carried out with professionalism, precision, and consistency.
These values have remained unchanged since 1966 and guide us every day.
How does this take shape in practice on the ground?
I’m reminded of a recent visit to one of our homes. A resident, usually very reserved, received a guitar for his birthday. A great admirer of Johnny Hallyday, he had always dreamed of being able to imitate him. That day, he spontaneously began to sing while strumming his guitar. Gradually, the staff — and then the other residents — joined him. The moment became collective, almost suspended in time, with a rare emotional intensity. You had to see the joy on his face — a simple, powerful, and contagious joy.
This type of moment says a great deal about what we strive to build: places where everyone can express themselves freely, be recognized for who they are, find their full place, and live with dignity.
What are the next major milestones for Perce‑Neige?
One of our main challenges is to develop an increasingly flexible and personalised model, tailored to each individual’s needs, with greater inclusion in society, as well as enhanced home‑based support and inclusive housing solutions.
Another challenge is the ageing of people with disabilities. People are living longer, which means adapting our facilities, with more care, increased medical support, and improved end‑of‑life care.
Finally, we will also have to address other significant challenges, such as recruitment difficulties in the sector, financial constraints, school inclusion, and support for families. Not to mention that the situations we support are becoming more complex, requiring even more specialized responses.
Have you planned any specific initiatives for Perce‑Neige’s 60th anniversary?
Yes, this anniversary is both a celebration and a renewed commitment.
To mark the occasion, we wanted to highlight once again Lino Ventura’s founding commitment and raise public awareness through a new campaign paying tribute to him. As part of this initiative, a film produced by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano was created, echoing his original appeal.
We were also keen to organize a unifying event across all our homes. Chefs mobilized throughout France on May 20 to create a unique birthday cake for our residents, delivered the same day to every Perce‑Neige home.
An anniversary photograph bringing together numerous prominent figures will also be unveiled very soon. Finally, the year will conclude with a major highlight: a concert by the group Percujam at Salle Pleyel, featuring guest artists.
All these initiatives are an opportunity to reaffirm that the cause championed by Lino Ventura remains as relevant as ever. We will continue to carry it forward with the same determination, humanity, and sense of responsibility that inspired him from the very beginning.
We would like to thank everyone who contributes each day to upholding and advancing this essential commitment of the Perce‑Neige Foundation to people with disabilities and their families.
Christophe Lasserre-Ventura
Christophe Lasserre-Venture became President of Perce-Neige in 1995 continuing the work initiated by his grandfather, Lino Ventura. The association became a foundation in 2016.
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