Faced with the impacts caused by the greatest climate tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul, a location that represents 24% of Brazil's footwear production, we are committed to strengthening the movement for the rebuilding of communities and industry in the regions affected by the floods. Currently, Rio Grande do Sul has more than 1.8 thousand footwear producing companies that directly employ more than 85 thousand people.

The teams of the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, as organizers of the BFSHOW, dedicated time in recent days to listen to and welcome the exhibitors, especially those located in the affected areas. The fair at this time has an even more relevant role for the industries in Rio Grande do Sul, being fundamental for the continuity of these businesses and, consequently, the maintenance of employment and income for families affected by the catastrophe. BFSHOW will be held between May 21st and 23rd at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo/SP, where all exhibiting brands, including the affected ones from Rio Grande do Sul, will be presenting their Spring/Summer collections.

Meet some of the initiatives that Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil have been working on:

- Contact and welcoming of affected companies
Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil have been directly meeting the needs of companies and articulating solutions to the problems of exhibitors.

- Donations to affected families
Abicalçados and NürnbergMesse Brasil are donating water, mattresses and cleaning kits.

- Articulation of resources and credit lines with government 
As a representative of the sector, Abicalçados has already formally requested support to the affected footwear regions through the fund raised by the state government.

- Fundraising campaign during the BFSHOW
BFSHOW and other events organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil will be donation collection points throughout the year.

- Creation of the Next Steps RS Movement
Abicalçados, Assintecal and CICB are leading a major movement to recover the footwear chain of the affected region. The action will raise financial resources that will be directed to the restructuring of the living conditions of the impacted footwear families.

Each of us - manufacturers, retailers, representatives, suppliers - is essential to continue moving the footwear economy in Brazil and in the world.