Cyclone Chido triggers massive donation drive

Following the passage of Cyclone Chido in December 2024, the Fondation de France launched a fundraising campaign that collected 44.4 million euros from French citizens to help rebuild Mayotte. The director of the foundation noted that this was the largest collection the organization had ever made in response to an emergency, highlighting the strong national solidarity shown after the disaster. Most donations came from mainland France, including companies, individuals, and even children who raised money by selling baked goods at their schools.

Funds prioritized for immediate needs

The majority of the donations were collected during the first eight weeks after the cyclone hit. The money was then distributed based on priority, starting with the most urgent needs. In the 2-3 weeks following Chido, the focus was on extreme emergencies such as providing water, food, and basic necessities to affected communities. No conditions were required for receiving this aid, and the foundation primarily supported local Mahorais associations to ensure resources reached those in real need and to prevent misuse.

Sports clubs help maintain social unity

Since the cyclone, 350 Mahorais associations have been involved in the island's reconstruction. The foundation prioritizes associations with limited fundraising ability, while larger groups can seek public funding. Health concerns also arose, with fears of epidemics due to waste accumulation. Sports clubs played a key role in maintaining social cohesion by organizing food distribution and activities for youth, helping to free up parents and support community stability.

Nature restoration becomes a focus

Upon arriving in Mayotte, Karine Meaux, a foundation representative, noted that many requests were related to nature. The Mahorais people placed significant importance on restoring natural areas, including rivers, forests, and mangroves. However, the foundation had to refuse some requests, as experts advised allowing nature to regenerate on its own for a year after a major disaster. Environmental groups worked with the foundation to carry out supervised cleanups that protected the island's natural regenerative capacity.

Boosting local agriculture for food security

In February 2025, the foundation addressed a critical food shortage by collaborating with local agricultural organizations and cooperatives. The goal was to restart local farming to reduce reliance on imported food. The foundation funded the cleaning of farmland and provided small equipment to farmers. In a later phase, it also supported the purchase of seeds and saplings to help rebuild the agricultural sector. The foundation's largest funding effort focused on rebuilding homes destroyed by the cyclone, an issue that required careful planning and will be discussed in a future article.