where will the 23 million euros in donations collected by the Fondation de France go

MAYOTTE – A “ extraordinary surge of solidarity.” Two weeks after the passage of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the Mayotte archipelago, the Fondation de France announced this Friday, December 27, that it had collected a total of 23 million euros in donations. The organization says this level of generosity is unprecedented. “This is the biggest start of emergency fundraising in such a short time at the Fondation de France”declared Alexandre Giraud, director of philanthropic action.

According to the provisional report, the passage of the cyclone left 39 dead and more than 4,000 injured. In the department, the poorest in France, everything needs to be rebuilt. And for good reason: Cyclone Chido was the most intense in 90 years. All the municipalities have been affected and the shanty towns razed, and waste is accumulating, causing fear of health risks.

Even though the first distributions of water and food have started, many residents say they are abandoned and are still waiting for help. And electricity is still cut off for more than half of Mahorais households, two weeks after the disaster.

So how will donations be able to improve this situation? In a press release published on December 24, the Fondation de France detailed the way in which it is preparing to distribute the amount collected. “The Fondation de France has decided to support a collective of several associations organizing access to basic needs: distribution of hygiene kits, water decontamination filters, cleaning of latrines and repair of evacuation systems wastewater, provision of shelter to the most vulnerable populations »she explains.

The organization also announces its support for the Médecins du monde association. “to respond, initially, to emergency needs”. In addition, its teams must go on site to meet local associations and organize aid with them.

“After the immediate relief and emergency phase, the Fondation de France will intervene to facilitate the reconstruction and return to normal daily life of the most fragile people,” also ensures organization. She announces that she wants to work with associations like the Compagnons Bâtisseurs, with whom she has already worked in post-cyclonic situations in Overseas Territories.