Inditex Donates BRL 5 Million to Support Flood Victims in Rio Grande do Sul
Inditex is contributing BRL 5 million (approximately €900,000) to alleviate the impact of the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This donation will be channeled through two non-profit organizations, the Jesuit Service for Migrants and Refugees (SJMR) and Fe y Alegria (FyA) Brazil. Alongside the monetary contribution, Inditex will also donate around 25,000 garments from Zara collections to the affected individuals.
This initiative aims to address the immediate, medium, and long-term material and psychosocial needs of over 8,400 people impacted by the flooding. The severe rains caused the Pardo, Jacuí, Sinos, Tacuari, Caí, Gravataí, and Guaíba rivers to overflow, affecting over 1.4 million people and 70% of the towns in the region.
The initiative, which will span 18 months, includes three phases:
- Immediate Relief: Distribution of essential items such as food hampers, hygiene kits, clothing, and other necessities to around 8,000 people.
- Reconstruction: Once the waters recede, the focus will shift to rebuilding schools and social and educational facilities damaged by the floods. This phase will benefit schools already supported by Inditex’s community investment program, ensuring these facilities are better protected against future disasters. Equipment and supplies for these schools will also be enhanced.
- Long-term Support: Providing psychosocial support to over 1,500 vulnerable individuals. This includes resilience-building measures, teaching basic hygiene to prevent disease spread, and assisting people as they return to their homes.
Inditex has a longstanding partnership with SJMR and FyA Brazil, focusing on education and humanitarian aid. Over the past two decades, their collaborative efforts have benefited more than 60,000 people in Brazil. Inditex has invested €6.8 million in these initiatives through its alliance with the Entreculturas Foundation.
The sponsored projects have included educational programs for vulnerable populations, construction and equipping of schools and vocational training centers, and job skills training. They have also provided humanitarian aid to migrants and refugees in border communities.
