Association “Zolitude 21.11”, representatives of the victims and “Maxima Latvija” have reached an agreement on the provision of financial support to morally suffered. Thus, the company has fulfilled its earlier commitment to grant material support to all the persons who suffered in the Zolitude tragedy.
Material support is available to 61 morally suffered persons who are stated as victims in the Zolitude tragedy criminal case. Following the agreement on the procedure for providing support, the payments have already been made to most of the morally suffered.
“By fulfilling our promise and commitment, we have made financial support available to all the persons who suffered in the tragedy. As a company, we are morally responsible for our employees and clients who were in the store at the time of the tragedy. Right now, the agreement to provide financial support has been reached with all physically injured persons and almost all of the families of the deceased, including the families of firefighters. Nothing will return the loved ones or relieve the pain, but we have worked together with representatives of the victims to help make life a little easier to those who were most affected by the tragedy. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to “Zolitūde 21.11” and to the representatives of the victims for their active cooperation and efforts in finding solutions for the support,” says “Maxima Latvija” CEO Andris Vilcmeiers.
To support morally suffered “Maxima Latvija” has allocated almost 140 thousand euros. In total, the company has provided support of nearly 9 million euros helping all people who suffered in the Zolitude tragedy, including the support for families who lost their relatives, people who suffered physical injuries, children who lost one or both of their parents and also morally suffered.
Regīna Ločmele-Ļuņova, Head of the association "Zolitūde 21.11" comments on the agreement: “With this agreement, taking into account the proposal of the association “Zolitūde 21.11”, the company has fulfilled its promise to provide material support to all victims of the tragedy. "Maxima Latvija" is one of the few companies that has shown respect to the victims during these years and has provided material support to help victims ease their daily troubles and focus on the future. This is an important step and serves as an example of responsible corporate behaviour in the eyes of the victims.”
Alds Gobzems, the representative of the victims, comments on the agreement: "I have been among those addressing criticism towards “Maxima Latvija” for many years, but now I would like to thank the company that together we were able to help all people who suffered in the Zolitude tragedy.”
For reference:
In total, the amount of material support provided by “Maxima Latvija” currently amounts to almost 9 million euros. First, support was provided to the children who lost one or both of their parents in the tragedy. Next, help was provided to the families who lost their relatives, as well as people who suffered physical injuries. At the beginning of this year, an agreement has been reached to provide support to the morally suffered.
Besides, in 2015, on behalf of SIA “Tineo”, “Maxima Latvia” agreed with the Riga City Council and association “Zolitūde 21.11” on a deed of gift of land at Priedaines Street 20 to the Riga City Council, to begin the process of creating Zolitude tragedy memorial site.
For additional information contact:
Jānis Beseris
Director of the Department of Corporate Relations at “Maxima Latvija”
Phone: +371 29666603
E-mail: janis.beseris@maxima.lv
www.maxima.lv