Disney Pledges $15 Million for Los Angeles Fire Relief Initiatives
The Walt Disney Company stands alongside numerous major corporations that have committed funds to firefighting and recovery efforts for those affected by the fires in Los Angeles.
The Walt Disney Company has announced a donation of $15 million to assist in combating the fires that have devastated the Los Angeles region and in rebuilding efforts for the city.
The company is one of many organizations contributing to firefighting and reconstruction initiatives, including Apple and the NFL.
The fires that ignited on January 7 and continue to burn have claimed at least 11 lives, ravaged over 100,000 acres, and obliterated more than 1,000 buildings. Over 150,000 residents have been compelled to evacuate their homes, marking these fires as the most disastrous in the history of Los Angeles.
“As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is dedicated to supporting our community and our employees as we all come together to recover and rebuild from this unimaginable devastation,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement on Friday.
“Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles with little more than his boundless imagination, and it was here that he chose to settle, pursue his aspirations, and create extraordinary storytelling that resonates deeply with people around the globe. We are honored to provide support to this resilient and vibrant community during this challenging time.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned that the company is contributing to fighting the fires and aiding the thousands affected.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has committed to donating $1 million for firefighting and relief efforts, as she was forced to evacuate her home due to the Palisades fire on January 7.
The NFL Foundation, along with the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans, collectively donated $5 million to assist communities impacted by the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, as announced by the sports teams.
The Kroenke family, owners of the Los Angeles Rams, pledged $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
The Los Angeles Chargers contributed $200,000 to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, and animal rescue organizations.
“Though we are currently facing unparalleled conditions that seemingly cannot worsen with multiple fires throughout our region, we also witness our community at its finest,” said Chargers Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos in a statement. “The bravery, selflessness, courage, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated over the last 24 hours by first responders, good Samaritans, friends, family, and neighbors has been extraordinary.”
The Minnesota Vikings announced that they, along with their owners, would contribute $1 million in aid efforts.
“The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundations are providing a contribution of $1 million to support relief efforts on the ground for communities impacted by the California wildfires,” the NFL team noted in a statement.
The Houston Texans matched the contributions with $1 million allocated to support victims of the California fires.
Billionaire Kylie Jenner has also expressed her intention to donate an undisclosed sum to assist those affected by the fires in Los Angeles.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires,” Jenner conveyed in an Instagram story. “To aid the affected communities, we’re making a contribution to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is an extension of the California Fire Foundation.”