Donors pledge over 700 million euros to rebuild Notre-Dame cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral went up in flames on Monday evening, a blaze that devastated the landmark, destroying its wooden-beamed roof and collapsing the iconic spire in a searing loss for Paris and France. President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the Gothic masterpiece, and within the first 24 hours after the fire began, tycoons, companies and local authorities stepped forward with large donations. Here are the main pledges made so far:
LVMH and KERING
French billionaire businessman Bernard Arnault`s family and his LVMH luxury goods group said they would donate 200 million euros to help repair the cathedral.
Francois Henri Pinault, who heads the Kering luxury goods company, pledged 100 million euros through his Artemis holding. Image source: IANS
L`OREAL and AIR FRANCE-KLM
French luxury and cosmetics group L`Oreal, along with the Bettencourt Meyer family and the Bettencourt Schueller foundation, will donate 200 million euros in total.
Air France offered free transportation for all official participants in Notre-Dame reconstruction. Image source: IANS
TOTAL, AXA and BNP
French oil company Total said it will donate 100 million euros.
French insurer Axa pledged 10 million euros.
French bank BNP pledged 20 million euros. Image source: IANS
FIMALAC, VINCI and BOUYGUES
Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere, head of the group that runs ratings agency Fitch, pledged 10 million euros.
Construction group Vinci called on all building companies in France to join forces to repair the cathedral in an "industry-wide skills sponsorship drive".
Martin Bouygues and his brother Olivier, who oversee a telecoms to construction conglomerate, pledged to donate 10 million euros. Bouygues group separately said it was ready to join the "skills sponsorship" drive. Image source: IANS
SAINT-GOBAIN and CAISSE DES DEPOTS
French construction materials group Saint-Gobain said it is ready to provide its expertise for the renovation, notably of the stained-glass windows.
CEO Eric Lombard said the state-controlled bank will offer oak trees to rebuild the wood framework of the cathedral. Image source: Reuters
JCDECAUX, SOCIETE GENERALE and CASINO
French outdoor advertising group pledged 20 million euros.
Societe Generate bank pledged 10 million euros.
The French retailer said its Franprix and Monoprix stores would implement price-rounding operations to support foundations helping with repairs. Image source: Reuters
APPLE and CITY OF PARIS
Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Twitter Apple would donate an unspecified sum to rebuilding efforts.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the city would donate 50 million euros. Image source: Reuters
ILE-DE-FRANCE AUTHORITY and AUVERGNE-RHONE ALPES REGION
Valerie Pecresse, head of the Ile de France regional authority that includes Paris, pledged 10 million euros.
Local government said it would donate 2 million euros. Image source: Reuters
EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK and CAP GEMINI
European Central Bank said it would donate 9 million euros.
IT services group Cap Gemini said it would donate 1 million euros. Image source: Reuters