United by hope: Zubi and Social Nest create fund for devastated communities.

In a context marked by the devastation caused by the DANA on October 29, two impact investment groups, Zubi and Social Nest, have decided to join forces through the Felisa Foundation to create a Fund for Aid and Recovery. The flooding left a deep mark on several communities, and the response from these entrepreneurs has been the creation of a fund that will finance key projects in critical areas such as housing, training and employment, education and sports, as well as logistics and waste management. Since its establishment in 2022, the Felisa Foundation has been at the forefront of crisis response, led by Iker Marcaide, founder of Zubi Group, and Margarita Albors, founder of Social Nest Foundation. Now, the foundation has decided to take a further step by activating a fund that not only focuses on immediate recovery but also considers medium- and long-term strategies, seeking to promote comprehensive and sustainable recovery. The Zubi Help project, which served as an operational platform for the urgent response to the emergency, has been fundamental in this effort. With an impressive 7,000-square-meter logistics center in collaboration with Matteco, Zubi Help has managed to mobilize more than 200 trailer trucks loaded with essential goods to 20 municipalities affected by the flooding. Over 1,500 volunteers and 90 collaborating companies have participated in the different phases of the process, ensuring that more than 5,000 families receive assistance in one month, with a total value of delivered products exceeding four million euros. The creation of the Felisa Foundation's Fund for Aid and Recovery not only aims to address the current crisis but also to systematically tackle the long-term challenges faced by the affected communities. The foundation aims to work on housing rehabilitation, youth unemployment in the impacted areas, and the reactivation of sports, among other aspects. Each of these points is fundamental to fostering comprehensive development that allows these communities to effectively overcome adversity. In addition to logistics and distribution of goods, the fund will focus on seeking innovative solutions in other fields. Projects related to mobility, early childhood education, and support for small businesses are on the agenda, translating into a holistic approach that seeks not only to rebuild but also to revitalize the social and economic fabric of the affected areas. The specialized team of the Felisa Foundation works on the ground, collaborating with both public and private entities, ensuring transparency in the management of each donation. "We want to transform solidarity into real solutions," asserts Iker Marcaide. This statement underscores the foundation's intention to go beyond a simple emergency response, seeking to generate a lasting impact on the communities. Margarita Albors, vice president of the foundation, highlights the importance of sustained commitment to rebuild resilient communities. Both leaders are convinced that their systematic and well-structured approach will address the issues at their roots, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Contributions to the recovery fund are designed to generate a multiplier effect, maximizing the economic value of the products and services provided to the end beneficiaries. According to the founders, the impact of these contributions can reach up to 50 times the value of the resources delivered, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented model. At a time when solidarity is crucial, the Felisa Foundation stands as a model of social responsibility and community commitment. Its work and innovative approach are examples of how collaboration among different actors can transform crisis situations into opportunities for development and regeneration. Hope is on the horizon, and with the creation of the Fund for Aid and Recovery, a path toward reconstruction that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of the affected communities is in sight.