Billionaires Pledge €300M To Rebuild Notre Dame

Buzzfeed News reports:

Two French billionaires have pledged to donate a total of 300 million euros to help reconstruct the Notre Dame Cathedral after a catastrophic fire tore through the historic structure, collapsing its spire and causing significant damage. Their donations came as Paris firefighters declared Tuesday morning that “the entire fire is out”. “A group of experts are analysing all of the structures to establish the next stages,” Paris fire brigade spokesperson Gabriel Plus told reporters.

François-Henri Pinault [photo], chair and CEO of the international luxury group Kering, which includes Gucci and Saint Laurent, said Monday night he and his family will donate 100 million euros to the cathedral’s reconstruction. His donation was doubled on Tuesday morning by Bernard Arnault, chair and CEO of luxury goods group LVMH, whose brands include Moët & Chandon and Dior.

“In the wake of this national tragedy, the Arnault family and the LVMH Group pledge their support for #NotreDame. They will donate a total of 200 million euros to the fund for reconstruction of this architectural work, which is an integral part of the history of France.” pic.twitter.com/utvJT8xJht

— LVMH (@LVMH) April 16, 2019