The apparel industry has been offering support to disaster relief efforts in Morocco where more than 2,900 people are now known to have died in an earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains.
On the appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Zara owner Inditex, the H&M Foundation, and Decathlon are among those who have contributed to the emergency fund of 100 million Swiss francs ($112m).
They responded to the appeal of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) that urged its members, including apparel and textile companies that source from Morocco, to support their affected suppliers, workers, and their representatives.
Inditex has donated €3 million ($3.2m) to Spain’s Red Cross to support those most affected, mainly in the areas of Al Hauz, Marrakech, Taroudant, Chichauoua and Ouarzazate. Inditex is also offering garments, footwear, and home products to humanitarian organizations working in the region.
Decathlon says it mobilized local teams within hours of the earthquake to provide thousands of sleeping bags, tents, and air mattresses directly to those in need.
The French sporting goods retailer says it has also made €1 million ($1.1m) available to provide more equipment locally, whilst also supporting local NGOs that are helping communities in the worst-affected areas.
The H&M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Swedish fashion retail giant, has contributed $250,000 to the IFRC’s emergency relief appeal. “Our thoughts are with those impacted by this terrible disaster. We at H&M Foundation wanted to show our support and solidarity to the people of Morocco with this donation.
Fashion brands pitch in to help Moroccan Earthquake relief efforts
