The Leroy Merlin Solidarity Charitable Foundation helped to restore a residential building in Odesa, which was severely damaged on the night of 23 July 2023 during a rocket attack on the city. The nineteenth-century building was devastated – the walls and ceilings of the upper floor, the roof, windows and doors were destroyed. Almost 60 people were left homeless at one point.
In the first days after the tragedy, Leroy Merlin Solidarity, which had already restored houses in Bucha and Irpen, offered to help Odesa.
On 8 August, a working meeting was held at the site of the tragedy between Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov and representatives of the foundation, which resulted in a decision to sign a memorandum of cooperation on the reconstruction of houses damaged by Russian shelling.
The team of Leroy Merlin Solidarity analysed the extent of the damage and began work to restore the building. In total, the foundation spent UAH 3.54 million on construction materials and repairs. “This project marked the beginning of the foundation’s systematic assistance to Odesa. On behalf of the city authorities, I would like to thank Leroy Merlin Solidarity for their help – for quality, speed, and humanity. We can see the result – more than 50 Odessans are living in their homes again, without fear for their safety. This is a great thing. Thank you for your cooperation,” – said First Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Filatov.
The Foundation’s team dismantled the destroyed structures, dismantled the damaged roof and damaged load-bearing structures. After that, new load-bearing structures on the 3rd floor, new floors and a new roof were erected. “This building is not an easy one: built in 1849, it has almost never been repaired. Except for a minor roof repair in the 1950s. That is why the enemy hit had such devastating consequences for the building. It was also difficult at the stages of work on the house, because some of the residents did not leave their homes, and the work was carried out consistently. And despite all the difficulties and obstacles, our team was able to help people at a high level and in a very short time. Joining forces and working together is the only way to quickly restore the damaged buildings and ensure the well-being of their residents,” – said Matthieu-Marie Ardin, President of Leroy Merlin Solidarity.
