In addition to accelerating positive change through our programs, the H&M Foundation provides support in large scale disasters. Since 2013, we have donated $5.6 million in emergency relief, contributing to our partners’ aid for hundreds of thousands of people.
Through our work we are accelerating the change needed to futureproof humanity and our planet. But the world is put under extreme pressure and we are facing more and more natural disasters as a result of our lifestyles and choices. These disasters are often affecting the most vulnerable people, resulting in acute situations.
When a disaster hits, time is everything. Therefore, we have framework agreements with trusted organisations and can make a donation within 48 hours. To do so, the following criteria must be met:
The disaster occurs in a country where H&M Group is present.
It is a disaster where vulnerable people are affected.
There is an appeal for international support in the initial emergency relief phase.
There is a trusted organization in need of financial support for its emergency relief work.
Since 2013, we have donated almost $5.6 million in emergency relief.
On May 26, Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh resulting in loss of life and widespread extensive material damage. In response, H&M Foundation has donated USD 250,000 to the Red Cross Red Crescent to support its efforts on the ground.
In response to the urgent need to support earthquake victims without permanent housing, the H&M Foundation is partnering with Better Shelter to provide temporary homes in the form of modular shelters for around 350 people.
The southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is experiencing unprecedent flooding as a result of record rainfall. This has resulted in devasting tragedy impacting hundreds of thousands of people. In response to this, H&M Foundation is donating USD 250,000 to the Red Cross who aim to provide urgent critical aid to those most in need.
In response to the devastating earthquake that has taken place in Morocco, the H&M Foundation supports the Red Cross/Red Crescent in their response to this disaster.
On June 6, the dam of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in south Ukraine was destroyed, leading to severe flooding in downstream settlements in Kherson oblast. The destruction has left tens of thousands of people in a dire humanitarian situation, with their homes and livelihoods at risk. The H&M Foundation supports the Red Cross in their work to provide immediate relief, including shelter, food, clean water, and other essential support to those impacted by the disaster.
In response to the extremely severe Cyclone Mocha that has hit Myanmar and Bangladesh, H&M Foundation is donating USD250,000 to the Red Cross/Red Crescent
In response to the devastating earthquake that has taken place in Türkiye and Syria, H&M Foundation is donating 250,000 USD each to the Red Cross / Red Crescent and Save the Children.
It has been almost two months since we we made a donation to the Red Cross/Red Cresent in response to the unprecedented monsoon floods in Pakistan, which affected 33 million people.
In February 2022, we released an emergency relief donation towards Save The Children and UNHCR for their efforts in Ukraine. This is what has happened since.
Pakistan is experiencing abnormal monsoon rainfall nearly three times higher than the past 30-year average, resulting in uncontrollable urban and flash floods, and landslides across the country. In response to this, H&M Foundation is donating USD 250,000 to the Red Cross/Red Cresent to support the people affected.