Solvay Solidarity Fund provides €2 million to support impacted families and communities
Brussels, July 26, 2021
After the deadly floods in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, Solvay is mobilizing with financial aid and a call for volunteers to help victims and communities. The Solvay Solidarity Fund (SSF), which was created for victims of the Covid-19 crisis or any other pandemic or natural disaster, will provide financial support to families and communities impacted by the unprecedented floods. The fund will also be open to victims of the recent floods in China.
“Our thoughts are with all the victims of the floods that swept through Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands,” said Solvay CEO Ilham Kadri. “We were shocked by the magnitude of the disaster and quickly mobilized to support colleagues and local communities that were affected.”
Solvay has been in contact with more than 200 employees in the impacted areas and provided immediate assistance. Given the exceptional nature of the situation and in line with Solvay’s tradition of solidarity, the Solvay Solidarity Fund will donate €2 million to impacted families, emergency rescue services and non governmental organizations.
When suggested by local authorities, Solvay is also organizing volunteer work in the areas concerned. “We’ll continue to help in any way we can,” added Ilham Kadri.
“The Solvay Solidarity Fund reflects the humanist values that have characterized Solvay since the beginning”, said Christian Jourquin, Chairman of the Solvay Solidarity Fund Management Committee. “After the support to communities hit by the COVID-19 pandemic - which are still ongoing - we want to reach out to the victims of these natural disasters, in line with the initial scope of the Fund.”
About the Solvay Solidarity Fund
Launched at the beginning of the pandemic, in April 2020, the Solvay Solidarity Fund provides support, both financial and non-financial (i.e. days off) to any Solvay employee and dependents who experience adversity in the Covid-19 crisis. It also supports communities close to Solvay that are severely impacted by the crisis.
The Solvay Solidarity Fund is administered by the King Baudouin Foundation, managed on a daily basis by an Evaluation Committee and overseen by a Management Committee.
Former Solvay CEO Christian Jourquin chairs the Solvay Solidarity Fund Management Committee, which manages the distribution of resources. The accounting of the fund’s activities is regularly monitored by this committee, and is subject to an annual independent audit and regular reporting on the use of the funds and impact reached.
