Last summer, Paris stripped its bridges of the famous love locks that people flocked from around the world to Instagram. Since then, it’s been unclear what would happen to the 65 tonnes of metal.
Yesterday, the city of Paris announced an amazing initiative with a two-fold benefit: local authorities are planning to sell the love locks, with all money raised going to refugee groups and charities.
Such organizations are especially in demand after France’s infamous Calais jungle camp was closed earlier this fall, forcing many refugees to settle in Paris without adequate shelter.
“Members of the public can buy five or 10 locks, or even clusters of them, all at an affordable price,” said Paris’ First Deputy Mayor Bruno Julliard. “All of the proceeds will be given to those who work in support and in solidarity of the refugees in Paris.”
The Guardian estimates sales could fetch around 100,000 euros while activist groups initially looking to preserved the padlocked bridges are welcoming the “interesting twist.”
The Pont des Arts #lovelocks will be sold to benefit #refugees in #Paris. Now that’s a REAL expression of love. @Anne_Hidalgo @BrunoJulliard
— NO LOVE LOCKS™ (@NoLoveLocks) December 5, 2016
There’s no word yet on when, where, or how the locks will be sold.
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