Fundação Jerónimo Martins pledges €20 million for post‑storm rebuilding in central Portugal

The Fundação Jerónimo Martins announced a €20 million programme to restore public institutions and private housing in the municipalities of Leiria, Marinha Grande and Ourém, which were severely damaged by the storm Kristin on 28 January.

The initiative will rebuild creches, care homes, facilities for people with disabilities, and over 140 family homes, supporting more than 12,000 residents. It also provides equipment for firefighters and security forces. The foundation has already delivered €3 million to about 250 Jerónimo Martins employees within a week of the storm and €1 million to the regional recovery mission.

Work begins on Monday, with some projects expected to finish quickly while others may last up to a year. Executive director Miguel Herdade said the programme involves over 100 institutions and emphasised “speed, safety, technical quality and comfort” for beneficiaries. Local mayors praised the effort as a first private‑philanthropic recovery plan of its kind in Portugal.