The Italian Foundations of banking origins have collected cumulatively 11m euros to help the reconstruction of Abruzzo, the Italian region struck by a violent earthquake last April.

The money will be managed by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio della Provincia dell’Aquila (EFC member) and will facilitate the restoring of building and services in the 421 towns hit by the shock.  In particular, the focus will be upon the restoration of the Santa Maria di Collemaggio basilica, the historical centre of L’Aquila and the resumption of the activities of the University of L’Aquila, where a new research centre will be established.