PORTRAIT 7
Daphné M.
The difference of a small gesture
It was in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal that Daphné discovered Karuna-Shechen and decided to support our work. She began with occasional donations before gradually contributing more regularly.
Even though she considers her monthly contribution of €25 modest, 2025 marks a decade of her donations to Karuna’s humanitarian projects, which totals nearly €5,000. Thanks to her steady generosity, many women, children and men living in poverty in Nepal and India have been helped.
Convinced that every gesture matters, we wanted to understand what drives her and what lies at the heart of her commitment. Sébastien and Adeline, from our communication and fundraising team, had the pleasure of meeting her over a cup of tea.
Hello Daphné! Could you introduce yourself and share a bit of your story?
Daphné: My name is Daphné, and I’m a ceramic artist. In my work, I focus on human values, on seeking beauty and conveying a sense of harmony. That’s what I love: communicating through ceramics. When I see an opportunity to extend that through other actions aligned with the same spirit, I follow that path. That’s what led me to Karuna.
Philanthropy has been part of my family history for generations. My sisters and I were deeply influenced by our father, whose unwavering generosity reflected a true ethic of life. So for me, this is something quite natural—a way of contributing to something bigger than myself, beyond my personal life. There’s a deep, personal reward in this kind of commitment, a way of feeling included. I’m aware of the immense suffering in the world, and being able to do something—however small—gives life meaning.
How did you first hear about Karuna-Shechen?
Daphné: I believe it was through Matthieu Ricard. I discovered his work in the early 2000s through his books. I also came to this world through the Vietnamese monk Thích Nhất Hạnh. So when I started looking for organizations to support, I thought of Karuna-Shechen. Matthieu has been an important figure for me, and his message of altruism in action really spoke to me. It made me happy to know that people like you are putting in real effort, organizing effective aid, empowering people, and raising awareness about the environment and many other issues.
What does the act of giving mean to you?
Daphné: First and foremost, I’d say that we live in a society of material abundance, and I’m fully aware of the privilege I enjoy. Offering my support is a way of expressing solidarity and taking part in something greater than myself. It allows me, in my own small way, to help improve things.
Could you tell us about your journey from your first donation in 2015 to becoming a regular supporter of Karuna-Shechen?
Daphné: My first donation was in 2015, following the earthquake in Nepal, when Karuna-Shechen was on the ground providing highly effective aid. I gave occasionally at first and also supported other organizations focused on medical care and environmental protection—causes that matter deeply to me. Gradually, I started making regular donations. I’d say it’s simpler that way—it ensures ongoing support without needing constant attention on my part, and I know these organizations can rely on a stable source of funding, which is essential for the continuity of their work.
What inner aspirations or values drive you to take action for others?
Daphné: I’m deeply inspired by sharing, by the pursuit of harmony, beauty, and action. Even though I haven’t yet become a volunteer—mainly to maintain balance with my professional responsibilities—I still put my values into practice in other ways. In Loir-et-Cher, I’m active in an environmental association where we raise awareness about environmental issues through conferences and themed walks.
Do you see a connection between your environmental awareness work in Loir-et-Cher and the work of Karuna-Shechen?
Daphné: Absolutely. In both cases, it’s about awakening awareness to our interdependence and to the individual responsibility of our life choices. I believe that through this association, we manage to touch people on a personal level—at least a few. And small streams make great rivers! It’s the same with Karuna—even a single euro given in Nepal or India can have a considerable impact. It can enable a woman to start a vegetable garden and feed her family. It makes me truly happy to be part of your programs, to send a little money. It may not be much, but it’s something!
Among Karuna’s initiatives, is there one that moves or inspires you particularly? Why does it resonate with you?
Everything that restores people’s dignity and gives them a sense of regaining control over their lives, of being able to take action—that’s what deeply fulfills me.
Daphné: The work you do with women is especially meaningful to me. It touches me a lot. I’m also very interested in your toilet construction projects. I was shocked to learn that in parts of India, there are no toilets—not in the house, not in the yard, not even in the village—and that people are forced to relieve themselves outdoors. But that’s a reality, and it’s very dangerous, especially for women and children.
Finally, which value upheld by our organization speaks to you the most?
Daphné: It’s Karuna’s motto: altruism in action. I think it reflects Matthieu Ricard’s deep conviction that there is a fundamental goodness within each of us, and that it’s up to us to translate it into concrete actions. By constantly reminding people of this capacity for empathy and compassion, we foster its expression. I find that this is a wonderful way to begin taking action and to connect with others.