The Walt Disney Company has pledged to donate $15 million to help fight the fires that have scorched the Los Angeles area and rebuild the city.
The company is one among dozens of companies donating to firefighting and rebuilding efforts. Others include Apple and the NFL.
The Los Angeles fires that broke out on Jan. 7 and continue to rage have so far killed at least 11 people, scorched more than 100,000 acres, and destroyed more than 1,000 structures. More than 150,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have been the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
“As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement on Friday.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company will donate to fight the fires and help the thousands of people affected.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has pledged to donate $1 million to relief and firefighting efforts. Curtis was forced to evacuate from her home from the Palisades fire on Jan. 7.
The NFL Foundation, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans donated a combined $5 million to support communities affected by the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles region, the sports giants announced.
The Kroenke family, who own the Los Angeles Rams, donated $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
The Los Angeles Chargers donated $200,000 to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, and pet rescue organizations.
“While we’re currently experiencing unprecedented conditions that seemingly cannot get any worse as we deal with multiple fires across our region, we’re also witnessing our community at its very best,” said Chargers Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos in a statement. “The bravery, selflessness, courage, sacrifice, and compassion on display over the past 24 hours by first responders, good Samaritans, friends, family, and neighbors alike has been remarkable.”
The Minnesota Vikings announced the NFL team and its owners would be contributing $1 million in relief efforts.
“The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundations are providing a $1 million contribution to support on-the-ground relief efforts in communities affected by the California wildfires,” the NFL team said in a statement.
The Houston Texans joined the NFL family in donating $1 million to victims of the California fires.
Billionaire Kylie Jenner also announced she would be donating an undisclosed amount to those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
“Our hearts go out to all of those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires,” Jenner wrote in an Instagram story. “To help support the communities affected, we’re making a donation to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund. The Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund is an extension of the California Fire Foundation.”
