Bruno Bogvad and the AEFC: The Art of Bringing Together Around Beaujolais and Mutual Aid

Editorial team
17 hours ago
3 min read

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the gardens of the French Embassy in Phnom Penh, the French community in Cambodia is preparing to celebrate autumn around the traditional Beaujolais Evening, organized by the Association of Mutual Aid of French People in Cambodia (AEFC). More than a gastronomic celebration, this event reflects an associative commitment carried by the discreet and devoted personality of Bruno Bogvad, president of the AEFC.

Bruno Bogvad: a Vision of Humanity and Closeness

Bruno Bogvad, originally from Bordeaux and a happy expatriate, has infused the AEFC with his social and apolitical ideal. His atypical background, between automotive passions and associative commitment, led him to dedicate his energy to those whom life distances from comfort. In France, he was already engaged in integration and educational sports before bringing the same determination to serve the French people of Cambodia.

An Event Driven by Generosity

The Beaujolais Evening is much more than a tasting: it is a true symbol of solidarity bringing together French people and friends around a refined buffet, music, and raffles, where the proceeds fund the social actions carried out by the AEFC throughout the year.

The funds collected are essential to guarantee medical assistance, administrative support, and emergency repatriations, offered by a fully committed volunteer team.

Bruno Bogvad emphasizes: "We come to the aid of French families residing or passing through Cambodia when they face difficulties, whether it is an accident, unpaid bills, or a health problem."

The AEFC, Pillar of Francophone Mutual Aid

Created in 2008, the AEFC is now the main structure of francophone solidarity in the country. With nearly 90 members, it fulfills essential missions ranging from social support to administrative assistance, including visits to incarcerated French nationals. This willingness to be close to needs, on the ground, structures the association's action and shows its ability to unite the community around the values of mutual aid and kindness.

"Within the AEFC office, we discuss the association's missions, how to organize them, who may be available to lead and support one mission or another. We mainly address people in need, whether on practical, administrative, or health matters," explains the president, adding:

"From 2015, I started visiting French inmates in the country. The association fully initiated this approach, and I also felt that it required someone with some experience for this type of commitment, which is not always easy. We often face quite dramatic situations. There was a time when we had many prisoners to visit, more than a dozen spread among the various prisons in the kingdom."

How Does the AEFC Live and Operate?

"We now have offices on street 154 and ensure daily availability. Thanks to the generosity of entrepreneur Jean-Marc Lopez, who provided his offices, we now have our own premises.

Every year, we receive a subsidy from the embassy, and the rest of our funding comes from events such as the July 14th ball or the Beaujolais Nouveau evening, along with some sponsors and patrons.

Every year, we must renew these operations and request subsidies, so we are never sure of our budgets from one year to the next," explains Mr. Bogvad.

The Future of the AEFC: Commitment and Adaptation

Alongside his colleagues and volunteers, Bruno Bogvad continues to innovate and adapt charitable actions to the real needs of the community, while maintaining transparent and supportive resource management.

Events such as the Beaujolais evening thus contribute to financing the association's many projects, which continue to strengthen ties with institutions and local patrons.

His discreet but effective behind-the-scenes action, his ability to unite around precise goals, and his sincere commitment undoubtedly make Bruno Bogvad a major figure of mutual aid and living together in French style in Cambodia.