The Or Foundation Pledges $1 Million for Emergency Relief in Kantamanto Market Fire Aftermath
In a significant move to support the recovery efforts after the catastrophic fire at Kantamanto Market, the largest secondhand clothing market worldwide, the Or Foundation has dedicated $1 million to immediate relief initiatives. This market, located in Accra, Ghana, serves as a pivotal hub for the reuse and recycling of clothing, employing over 30,000 individuals who rely on its operations for their livelihoods. The foundation's response comes in light of the extensive destruction caused by the fire that occurred on January 1, 2025, leaving countless families in distress due to the loss of shops, tools, and inventory.
As part of their immediate intervention, the Or Foundation is actively distributing funds to clear debris as part of the community cleanup efforts, while also providing assistance to those injured in the incident. The foundation collaborates closely with market leaders and community members to mobilize resources aimed at reconstructing the market and offering direct financial assistance to affected individuals, including retailers, recyclers, and kayayei (head porters) in the area.
The Kantamanto Market is more than just a marketplace; it is an ecological and cultural cornerstone, contributing significantly to the circular economy by recirculating around 25 million secondhand garments monthly. On a regular basis, approximately 15 million garments from the northern hemisphere find their way to this market, highlighting its global significance as an alternative to fast fashion.
The Or Foundation's current intervention builds on its broader initiative, the Secondhand Solidarity Fund (SSF), which has previously distributed over $500,000 in grants to support members of the Kantamanto community since its inception in 2020. This includes critical aid during COVID-19 lockdowns, helping those in need by providing food supplies and direct financial assistance to over 1,000 secondhand clothing retailers and recyclers affected by prior incidents in the market.
In the weeks and months following the fire, the foundation plans to share regular updates on relief efforts through their social media channels (@theorispresent). Contributions towards the relief efforts can be made online at their dedicated donation site.
Through its ongoing work, the Or Foundation aims not only to mitigate the immediate impacts of this disaster but also to foster long-term resilience within the community. They advocate for necessary support from the fashion industry to help revitalize this vital economic and social hub. The Kantamanto market exemplifies the potential of a sustainable future, transforming the fashion waste crisis into opportunities for regeneration and economic stability for its community.
For more information about the Or Foundation and ways to get involved, visit their official website at www.theor.org.
As part of their immediate intervention, the Or Foundation is actively distributing funds to clear debris as part of the community cleanup efforts, while also providing assistance to those injured in the incident. The foundation collaborates closely with market leaders and community members to mobilize resources aimed at reconstructing the market and offering direct financial assistance to affected individuals, including retailers, recyclers, and kayayei (head porters) in the area.
The Kantamanto Market is more than just a marketplace; it is an ecological and cultural cornerstone, contributing significantly to the circular economy by recirculating around 25 million secondhand garments monthly. On a regular basis, approximately 15 million garments from the northern hemisphere find their way to this market, highlighting its global significance as an alternative to fast fashion.
The Or Foundation's current intervention builds on its broader initiative, the Secondhand Solidarity Fund (SSF), which has previously distributed over $500,000 in grants to support members of the Kantamanto community since its inception in 2020. This includes critical aid during COVID-19 lockdowns, helping those in need by providing food supplies and direct financial assistance to over 1,000 secondhand clothing retailers and recyclers affected by prior incidents in the market.
In the weeks and months following the fire, the foundation plans to share regular updates on relief efforts through their social media channels (@theorispresent). Contributions towards the relief efforts can be made online at their dedicated donation site.
Through its ongoing work, the Or Foundation aims not only to mitigate the immediate impacts of this disaster but also to foster long-term resilience within the community. They advocate for necessary support from the fashion industry to help revitalize this vital economic and social hub. The Kantamanto market exemplifies the potential of a sustainable future, transforming the fashion waste crisis into opportunities for regeneration and economic stability for its community.
For more information about the Or Foundation and ways to get involved, visit their official website at www.theor.org.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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