Matra, a small village in Haute-Corse, wants to save its church. In poor condition, the building dating from the end of the 16th century needs a complete renovation (roof, frame, facades and bell tower). A restoration committee has therefore been set up to find funding. Of the 600,000 euros needed for the rehabilitation, a large part will come from public subsidies. “We have submitted requests for aid from the Collectivity of Corsica and state services”, specifies the mayor, Michel Palmieri.

To find the remaining 120,000 euros to complete the budget, a donation campaign was opened. “We called on the inhabitants of the village who were massively involved in responding to our call”, confides Jean-Marc Riccini, the president of the committee. But with only 44 souls, the municipality cannot face such an expense alone. “With the help of the Bastia Heritage Foundation, we have tripled our donations in 2021,” he adds. Thanks also to the inhabitants of the micro-region and the contribution of local and continental companies. »

Bill Gates’ answer

Bringing San Bernardinu Church back to life requires courage, funds and a large dose of audacity. “So I sent emails and letters to the great fortunes of the planet,” continues Jean-Marc Riccini. Among them, Jeff Bezos, the Bettencourt family, football stars and Bill Gates.

“The latter had the elegance to respond personally, but his foundation rather finances the education of children. However, we were fortunate to receive a donation from Prince Albert of Monaco. “A hell of a check for 5,000 euros. Sainte Dévote, patron saint of the principality, seen in Corsica.