Violence disrupts Lyon's Presqu'île

Dozens of businesses in the Presqu'île district of Lyon were vandalized and looted starting on Saturday, October 17, with damage continuing into Sunday morning. The incidents left many independent merchants with broken windows, stolen stock, and significant financial losses.

Axe Capital launches fundraising campaign

Simon Berna, CEO of Axe Capital, announced a fundraising campaign to support merchants affected by the violence. Berna emphasized that the looted merchants are neighbors and essential to the vitality of the area, stating that the company could not remain inactive in the face of such damage.

Fundraising goals and distribution

The campaign aims to provide immediate financial assistance to cover initial expenses such as replacing windows, restocking inventory, and paying salaries while waiting for insurance claims. Berna assured that all collected funds will be distributed equally to affected merchants and merchant associations, with public tracking of each payment.

Coeur lyonnais proposes solidarity measures

Elected officials from the Coeur lyonnais group proposed a solidarity fund and psychological support for affected merchants. The group, gathered around Jean-Michel Aulas, met with the CCI Lyon Métropole to discuss a public-private fund and ways to support victims both financially and emotionally.

Engagement with affected merchants

At the initiative of Anne Delaigle, a local business owner and spokesperson for independent merchants during the pandemic, the group met with affected merchants to listen to their testimonies and assess the human and economic impact of the violence. These meetings led to proposals for a broader solidarity effort and psychological aid for those who witnessed the destruction.

Fundraising campaign launched on Leetchi

Simon Berna's fundraising campaign was launched on Leetchi, a platform for community fundraising. The campaign invites merchant associations to share it with their members and report affected stores. The campaign's title is Support for affected merchants in Lyon who were vandalized and looted.