Even before the fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral was extinguished, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed the iconic symbol of Paris would be rebuilt.
The full cost of reconstruction is not yet known, but French billionaires and companies have already pledged $450 million toward the effort.
The largest donation so far was from LVMH Group, which owns Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy. The company and the family of CEO Bernard Arnault promised $226 million, CNN reported.
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The Pinault family, which controls French luxury conglomerate Kering, pledged an additional $113 millio, according to CNN. Kering brands include Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
"This tragedy is striking all the French people, and beyond that, all those attached to spiritual values," François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, said in a statement.
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But those who are not billionaires can also donate to help rebuild the 865-year-old cathedral.
The Guardian reported Tuesday morning a national collection was launched by the Foundation for French Heritage. You can donate online here or by check payable to the "Heritage Foundation — Save Our Lady" at the following address:
Heritage Foundation - Île-de-France Delegation
53 bis avenue Charles De Gaulle
92200 Neuilly sur Seine
Credit: Thibault Camus
Credit: Thibault Camus
Donations can also be made to the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris. Checks can be sent to:
Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris
PNC Bank
800 17th Street NW
Washington DC 20006
ABA : 031000053
SWIFT : PNCCUS33 (For International wire only)
Account Number : 5360272299
Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris is a 501c3 charity incorporated in October 2016. It has been raising funds to help finance the restoration of the cathedral.
» History of the Notre Dame Cathedral
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