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Billionaires, celebrities, and corporations unite for Los Angeles wildfire relief

Major pledges, from Amazon’s $10 million to Beyoncé’s $2.5 million, bring hope to wildfire victims as aid efforts intensify in the wake of devastating fires across Los Angeles County.

DT · Jan 16, 2025, 4:13 AM

Wildfire smoke and hotspots from the Palisades fire area seen from Encino Hill on 12 January 2025 in Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. — Apu Gomes / Getty Images via AFP

The recent wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have led to unprecedented destruction, displacing thousands and consuming vast swathes of land. In response, a coalition of billionaires, celebrities, and corporations has stepped forward, pledging millions in aid to support the recovery efforts and assist affected communities. As highlighted in an article by Mary Whitfill Roeloffs for Forbes, this collaborative effort underscores the growing role of public and private partnerships in addressing large-scale disasters.

Amazon’s Generous Contribution

Online retail giant Amazon announced a $10 million pledge to various disaster response organizations, including the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen. Additionally, Amazon offered advertising slots on its Prime Video platform to amplify the visibility of nonprofits assisting wildfire victims.

Celebrities Rally for Relief

The wildfire crisis has united some of the biggest names in entertainment to provide aid:

Beyoncé, through her BeyGOOD Foundation, has pledged $2.5 million for immediate relief and support for displaced families.
Paris Hilton, a victim of the Palisades fire, launched a $100,000 emergency fund and committed to matching additional donations.
Eva Longoria promised $1 million in aid, utilizing her platform to raise further awareness and support.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle donated supplies and funds, while Meghan delayed her Netflix series to focus on relief efforts.

Corporate Giants Join the Cause

Corporate donors have also played a critical role:

Disney pledged $15 million in aid to organizations like the American Red Cross and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Walmart committed $2.5 million worth of supplies, including cash, food, and water.
Paramount and Verizon joined the ranks with $1 million each in donations, while Airbnb offered free temporary housing for displaced residents.

Sports Teams and Local Businesses Step In

Twelve Los Angeles sports teams, including the Lakers and Rams, collectively pledged over $8 million for wildfire relief. Sports merchandise retailer Fanatics contributed an additional $3 million in supplies for evacuees.

Wider Impact and Continued Support

The fires have claimed lives, homes, and livelihoods, prompting a global response. As wildfires intensify, further aid from individuals, corporations, and governments will be essential.

While the path to recovery is daunting, the collective generosity of billionaires, celebrities, and corporations serves as a beacon of hope. Together, they are not only providing immediate relief but also paving the way for long-term recovery efforts in affected communities.