LA wildfires
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Amazon is committing $10 million to L.A. wildlife relief efforts, the company announced on Monday (Jan. 13). The donation comes from Amazon’s entertainment division (Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios), along with Ring and Whole Foods Market.
According to a blog post on the Amazon website, the money “will go directly to national and local disaster and response organizations including the American Red Cross of Southern California, FireAid, MusiCares Fire Relief Effort, World Central Kitchen, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Habitat for Los Angeles Wildfire Fund, and Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Relief/Recovery Fund, among others, as well as in-kind advertising opportunities on Prime Video for nonprofits supporting LA fire relief efforts.”
Amazon has already donated more than 145,000 essential items to 17 local organizations working on the wildfire response, including fire stations, community fire brigades, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Dream Center and multiple YMCA chapters. This includes 30,000 items to the Los Angeles County Salvation Army, 5,000 shelter items, more than 300 wildfire response items, gift cards to LAUSD to support teachers who lost their classrooms in the fires and 1,000 items to support fire stations, among many others.
The company says it’s also “deploying” its AWS cloud technology, including drone support, “to help emergency responders better understand and react to the evolving wildfire situation.” Additionally, it says it’s “curating opportunities” for its Southern California employees to volunteer with organizations including the LA Regional Food Bank and LAUSD.
Amazon’s announcement follows similar commitments made by companies including Sony Group Corporation, which on Monday said it would donate $5 million to wildfire relief efforts, as well as the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, which pledged $1 million.
Sony Group Corporation has pledged $5 million to support relief efforts related to the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The sum will be allocated to organizations supporting first responders, community relief and rebuilding efforts, as well as employee assistance programs. “Los Angeles has been the home of our entertainment business for more than 35 years. Through our […]
Just hours after the Recording Academy announced that it plans to go ahead with the 67th annual Grammy Awards telecast on Feb. 2 as scheduled despite the wildfires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles in the past week, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced it is canceling all of the company’s Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-Grammy party, and will instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”
“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically,” said the company in a statement. “L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.”
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The Recording Academy made a similar statement of concern even as it came to a different conclusion.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, said in a statement released earlier today. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.
“In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned,” they continued. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
Those local authorities reportedly include the office of Mayor Karen Bass, public safety agencies and fire marshals.
The Recording Academy’s plan is to go ahead with the telecast. It has made no decision about other Grammy Week events, such as the MusiCares Person of the Year event (which this year is set to honor the Grateful Dead) and the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards.
A major ancillary Grammy event, the Milk & Honey party, was canceled on Sunday (Jan. 12) with a pointed message on founder Lucas Keller‘s Instagram Story. “I regret that we will be canceling our annual award season pre-Grammy event in partnership with Reservoir and others. … It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit,” he wrote. “Don’t come to town for the Grammy’s and take up hotels that people need desperately. Release your hotel blocks or donate them. In the meantime, if you can, please give money to MusiCares at this link to support wildlife relief. Everything counts.”The Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals. “Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need — and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing assistance,” Mason and Hurt said in their statement.
As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund is stepping in to help. On Sunday (Jan. 12), the organization announced a pledge of $1 million to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in the region. The funds will be directed to organizations assisting the Los Angeles community, […]
Miley Cyrus is sharing her reaction to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
On Saturday (Jan. 11), the 32-year-old superstar singer took to social media to express her support for those affected by the wildfires ravaging Southern California. In her Instagram Story, Cyrus also reflected on the fire that destroyed her Malibu, Calif., home in 2018.
“This image hits me hard today,” the “Flowers” singer captioned the post, which featured a photo of her destroyed house. “This is a photo taken of my front porch in 2018 after losing our house in the Woolsey fires. It’s a feeling you don’t ever forget.”
She continued, “Walking up to the door you would pass through daily, looking forward to being greeted by the ones you love like you always do but instead being met by a pile of ash and rubble.”
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The Hannah Montana alum expressed that her “soul aches” for the victims of the L.A. wildfires. “It’s beyond heartbreaking. Los Angeles represents ‘living the dream’ but the reality today is wreckage and destruction.”
Cyrus also shared links to organizations supporting wildfire relief, including the Malibu Foundation, which she co-founded.
“Time, resources and dedication from inside and outside of our community will heal us, but it hurts deeply for now,” the singer wrote, signing off with “Love always.”
For health alerts, evacuation updates and additional shelter information as the wildfire battle continues, go to L.A. County’s emergency website here.
A number of organizations, listed here, are also offering help to those impacted by the California wildfires, which have been blazing through the L.A. area and causing extensive damage since Tuesday. Musicians and music industry professionals who are affected can get details about assistance here.
In November 2018, the Woolsey Fire in Malibu destroyed the home of Cyrus and her then-husband, actor Liam Hemsworth, leaving her devastated, as she shared on social media at the time.
“My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong,” Cyrus tweeted after her evacuation, expressing that she was “completely devastated” by the loss. “I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that’s all that matters right now.”
Paris Hilton is stepping up to help those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
On Friday (Jan. 10), the 43-year-old Simple Life alum announced on social media that she is launching an emergency fund through her nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support families who have lost their homes in the fires.
“My heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating fires here in LA,” Hilton wrote on Instagram. “While I’ve lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much more — their homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability.”
The singer and entrepreneur added, “As a mom, I can’t imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies.”
She went on to announce that she is personally contributing $100,000 to the fund and will match additional donations up to $100,000. “I’m asking others to join me in doing our part to support these families,” she wrote.
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Hilton is working alongside L.A.-based emergency relief organization CORE, founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee. The funds will provide short-term housing, hotel stays for displaced families, essentials for evacuation centers, and support for local animal shelters.
Hilton’s charitable effort comes shortly after she watched her Malibu home burn down live on TV. On Wednesday (Jan. 8), she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.”
She continued, “While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heartaches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable.”
Los Angeles County remains in the throes of massive wildfires that began in various locations starting Tuesday (Jan. 7), leading to the displacement of more than 180,000 residents. The wildfires have reportedly destroyed thousands of properties and claimed 10 lives as first responders continue to battle the flames throughout the region.
More and more organizations are stepping up to collect funds and provide resources for those impacted by the disasters. Below is an updating list of ways to help residents, first responders and members of the city’s music community.
Music workers looking for relief can navigate here for additional resources.
Support for Families and Outdoor Workers
Inclusive Action has launched a GoFundMe to provide cash relief for outdoor workers impacted by wildfires. The emergency aid fund will provide $500 in cash assistance directly to “open-air workers,” i.e. people whose jobs require them to work outside, including street vendors, landscapers and recyclers.
This Is About Humanity has launched a fund supporting front and second-line migrant farm workers, day laborers, and other essential workers and their families severely impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles. Through Jan. 31, TIAH is matching up to $50,000 in donations to provide critical relief, housing support, food assistance and essential resources.
The LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund is providing immediate assistance to families and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) employees affected by the devastating fires. The fund will offer direct cash assistance and support to families and employees affected by the fires; support teachers and in-class resources for students at impacted schools, ensuring continuity of learning to the greatest extent possible; provide flexible assistance for mental health support; and offer support for other immediate and long-term needs for students, families and teachers.
Support for First Responders
Donations to the LA Fire Department Foundation will go to supporting the heroic firefighters responding in real-time to protect lives, homes and communities.
The CA Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. The California Fire Foundation also provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve.
Essential Items for Families in Need
Baby2Baby is providing essential supplies like diapers, clothing, hygiene products and emergency kits to families in need through hundreds of their community partners.
World Central Kitchen is supporting first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area with sandwiches and warm meals.
Mutual Aid LA Network is continually working to compile an extensive list of organizations offering assistance and accepting donations through this spreadsheet.
Support for Music Professionals
The Recording Academy and MusiCares have launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support music professionals impacted by the crisis and made a combined pledge of $1 million to kick off a fundraising effort. You can donate here.
The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has launched a natural disaster relief fund for music professionals in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Funds raised will go to help those recoup the loss of music-related equipment as well as medical bills related to the fires and other vital living expenses. Head here to donate or fill out an application.
The We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants Wildfire Relief Fund is designed to support “early and mid-career producers, engineers, and creators who have lost studio space or gear” in the wildfires. Those wishing to donate can go here.
The 100 Percenters has launched an LA Wildfire Relief Fundraiser to benefit professional songwriters, producers, artists and music professionals “with verifiable industry contributions” who reside “in wildfire-impacted areas” in Los Angeles County and “can demonstrate wildfire-related loss and financial need.” The fund will provide immediate financial assistance with grants up to $2,500 for housing, transportation and essentials; support rebuilding efforts with grants of up to $10,000 to replace equipment and “restore creative spaces”; and offer mental health support with grants of up to $2,000 for counseling and wellness services. Donate here.
Mid/Long-Term Relief
California Community Foundation‘s Wildlife Recovery Fund focuses on mid-term and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the fires.
Pasadena Community Foundation‘s Eaton Canyon Fire Recovery and Relief Fund is mobilizing local resources to support resilience and immediate and long-term recovery initiatives in the L.A. County cities of Pasadena and Altadena.
The PLUS1LA Fires Fund will help local nonprofits offering shelter and care to those who have lost their homes, including PPE to prevent smoke inhalation, food, clothing, diapers, formula, hygiene items and mental health support to help those coping with trauma. Over the long term, it will support efforts to help individuals, families, communities and the environment recover from the destruction.
Maná has spoken out about the devastating ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, asking their fans and colleagues to make donations. “Los Angeles is like hell. There are devastating fires that are affecting the houses…it’s tremendous how the fire is raging,” frontman Fher Olvera said in a video message posted on Thursday (Jan. 9). He continued: […]
As the devastation from the wildfires in Los Angeles continues to unfold, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support music professionals impacted by the crisis, making a combined pledge of $1 million to kick off the efforts. “The entire Grammy family is shocked and deeply saddened by […]
Since Tuesday (Jan. 7), ferocious wildfires have been blazing through the greater Los Angeles region, causing extensive damage to life and property, including those of many individuals working in the music business. With nearly 180,000 residents impacted by evacuation orders, at least five dead and thousands of structures damaged or destroyed, music industry organizations are finding ways to provide relief for impacted music workers.
Below, find a list of some of the music organizations offering relief for L.A. industry owrkers. We will continue to update this list as more announcements are made.
(For health alerts, evacuation updates and shelter information, check out L.A. County’s emergency website here.)
MusiCares
The Recording Academy’s philanthropic arm MusiCares say it “can consider emergency funds related to evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services, & other essential living needs,” according to a statement released to social media. Further details have yet to be announced.
Reach out to: musicaresrelief@musicares.org or call 1-800-687-4227
Backline
Mental health non-profit Backline is sharing resources for musicians in Los Angeles via social media and offering its own services. “Know that Backline is here for you and that you are not alone,” the organization wrote on Instagram. “You can reach out to us via our case submission form and a Case Manager will contact you to help you get the long-term support you need. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Hotline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990.”
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, the non-profit helping musicians and music industry workers in need, has launched a natural disaster relief fund for those in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Applications are also open for those seeking relief, with funds raised going toward loss of music-related equipment, medical bills related to the fires and other vital living expenses.
Head here to donate or fill out an application.