HOW TO HELP FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILIES IMPACTED BY THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
As Californians have been left reeling by the tragic wildfires that have destroyed homes, schools, religious institutions and businesses and claimed the lives of more than two dozen residents, it’s challenging to figure out how best to help when seeing devastation from afar. As one of the leading Communications organizations for women in New York City, NYWICI recognizes the importance of using our voices and our connections to help shine a light on how to help our friends, colleagues and loved ones who are grieving from unimaginable loss.
Whether it’s supporting a national organization that’s providing immediate disaster relief, to supporting local charities feeding families in need, to the individuals looking out for vulnerable pets, to launching or donating to Go Fund Me campaigns, there’s a lot we all can do to make a difference in someone’s life.
If you want to find out how you can support the victims of the California wildfires, please click on the links below and donate to a cause that resonates with you.
The American Red Cross – NYWICI President Brandi Boatner, who sadly lost her own home during Hurricane Katrina, credits the Red Cross for providing support and vital resources to her family during their darkest hours. “Losing my family home to a natural disaster was incredibly devastating, but it taught me the true meaning of community and the importance of helping others in need. The Red Cross was a lifeline, providing shelter, food, necessities and a sense of safety. Their support wasn’t just about rebuilding a home; it was about rebuilding my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Go Fund Me Campaigns – Thousands of California residents and family friends have launched GoFundMe campaigns to help them rebuild. In fact, 2024 NYWICI President Laura Brusca, most recently helped amplify the story of one family – her dear friend and former colleague Ciara Benko, currently SVP, Head of Media Relations and Strategy at Praytell. Benko was devastated to learn her home had been destroyed by the Palisades fire and immediately flew back to support her family members. One of Ciara’s friends launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised more than $25,000 to help with short and long term needs like transportation and day-to-day essentials as their family puts the pieces of their lives back together. Click here to read Ciara’s heartfelt story of losing her home.
HELPING DISPLACED PETS
Local Humane Societies
Pasadena Humane and San Gabriel Humane Society
One of the most picturesque areas of Southern California is Pasadena with streets lined with mid-century and Victorian homes built in the early 1900’s. Unfortunately, the entire neighborhood has been decimated with historic homes and businesses that have been reduced to ashes. The Pasadena and San Gabriel Humane Society are diligently taking care of our furry friends who are exhausted, hungry and have also lost their homes. At this time, they are accepting monetary donations directly via their websites.
Animal Wellness Foundation: Another heartwarming story features a veterinarian who has taken in 40 animals and counting into her home after they were displaced by the Palisades fire.
NYWICI Board member Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich, who currently lives in Southern California, shared, “My family is safe and sound (we are feeling lucky & grateful!), but our hearts are broken. It is so devastating. 💔” Julie shares the resources below for anyone impacted by the wildfires as well as what you can to do to help:
Companies helping victims of the wildfires…
Free products for families in need
LA Food Bank
https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/
1734 East 41st St. or 2300 Pellissier Pl.
They are accepting financial donations or food donations at their two distribution centers, Mon. – Fri., 8 AM – 5 PM and Sat., 8 AM – 3 PM. A list of specific needs can be found using the link above.
Local Fire Stations
Miracle Mile Residential Association “Go Fund Me” page
The city’s incredibly brave firefighters are working overtime; they’re exhausted, and we’ve been told they are in need of supplies and tools. Donate towards warm meals, and supplies/tools that will be delivered to LAFD Station #68, #61, and LAPD Wilshire Division.
Baby2Baby
https://www.instagram.com/baby2baby
This amazing organization has already provided over one million emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything in the LA fires, including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. They are committed to continuing this essential work for the weeks and months to come. To make a donation that will go toward supplies, please visit: https://linktr.ee/_Baby2Baby
COMPANIES SUPPORTING WILDFIRE VICTIMS
Dashing into action…
While perusing my LinkedIn feed, I came upon a post by Erin Maslan, a former CBS colleague who is Vice President of Communications at Door Dash. Door Dash has immediately jumped into action to support families who have lost their homes by waiving their fees on all orders in Los Angeles County. Additionally, the company is donating $1 for every order that’s placed in the Los Angeles up to $1 million to World Central Kitchen.
Connecting Families with Free Temporary Housing
Airbnb is doing their part to connect displaced families with temporary housing by partnering with 211 LA to connect people with a free place to stay. They are specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar areas. If you’d like to help support a family by donating funds to their Airbnb stay, visit their website for additional information.
The Power of Journalism: When it comes to providing up to the minute information on where residents can get help during the catastrophic wildfires, there’s nothing better than local news. Nexstar owned CW station KTLA has dedicated wall to wall coverage of the families, businesses, schools and religious institutions impacted by the fires and has provided resources where individuals can find help, volunteer or donate.
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