Slim Foundation raises MXN$2.373 billion for Mexico's reconstruction

The Carlos Slim Foundation collected more than MXN$395.6 million ( USD$21 million ) from outside donors, raising a total contribution of more than MXN$2.373 billion ( USD$126 million ) since the foundation contributed with MXN$5 for each MXN$1 .

More than 217,000 donors participated in the effort through their Telmex , Telcel , Inbursa and Chedraui receipts, Slim said.

On Thursday, September 7 , an 8.2-magnitude earthquake hit Mexico minutes before midnight, and only twelve days later, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the country once again on Tuesday, September 19 , destroying dozens of buildings and killing hundreds of people, making it the deadliest tremor in a generation.

On Tuesday, speaking at a press conference in Mexico City Carlos Slim Helú President of the Carlos Slim Foundation said the group will focus its efforts on rebuilding schools , historic buildings and assisting hospitals . He voiced optimism about the effects the reconstruction efforts could have for the Mexican economy .

“I think it will be a very good factor, a big factor of employment in all of the affected zones,” he said.

"We are opening a website where information will be available, there will be a monthly report and there will be an auditor", to ensure the proper use of resources, said Slim.

The money will be in a fund audited by Ernst & Young and it will focus on humanitarian aid , cultural heritage , health centers and schools , housing , and markets , he concluded.

The businessman and civil engineer by profession recommended that every building built before 1985 should be reinforced and he commented that the Faculty of Engineering of the UNAM is currently working on a study to build appropriate buildings for each area in the city.

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