|
Wildfires Raise Celebrity Awareness
By Rebecca Blasband
Nov 6 |archive | subscribe
Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks, Courtney Cox and David Arquette, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Sting, Britney Spears. These are only some of the celebrities moving out of their Malibu communities due to the California Wildfires.
The fires raged from San Diego to Santa Clarita burning through 300,000 acres and leaving over 1,300 homes gutted. And over half a million Californians are now displaced. California has been declared a state of emergency.
This tragic scorch comes on the heels of the New Orleans Katrina disaster where lack of aid and relief was as devastating as the storm itself. Still smarting from the billions lost and the million displaced from Katrina, Americans now rally their support for the victims of the wildfires. Celebrities too.
Instead of an outraged Sean Penn mucking through a flooded street in Nola, we have Gwen Stefani donating her proceeds from her Tuesday night October 30th San Diego concert to the San Diego Foundation After-the-Fires Fund 2007. David Beckham has hobbled along side his LA Gallaxy team mates to compete against the Hollywood United FC, a team of actors and former World Cup Players. The proceeds go to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. And Bill Clinton has roped in Ron Burkle to host a fundraiser at Burkle’s home.
“The wildfires have been absolutely devastating. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, nearly 100 people have been injured, and the fires have burned an area twice the size of New York City. We must help the State of California recover from this destruction”, said Clinton.
But it’s not just celebrities stepping up to the plate. Corporations are heeding the call and rising to the occasion. Over the past week, the After-the-Fires Fund 2007 has received commitments for more than $3 million, including donations from the Home Depot Foundation, the National Football League Foundation, and the Amgen Foundation. Over 150 Chief executives from leading companies have formed the Business Roundtable joining with the Red Cross to assist in the wake of the Southern California wildfires. This alliance coordinates private sector resources with major disaster relief operations. It also provides training to Roundtable employees to serve as volunteers, offering Red Cross assistance. Many businesses have encouraged their employees to donate to the relief and participate in fundraising drives. More than 20 companies have made commitments to donate. Toyota, Nestle, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal Mart, Exxon and Target among them.
If some of our favorite celebrities and evil corporations can do it, you can do it too. You don’t have to run a multimillion-dollar conglomerate to participate and make a difference. Be your own celebrity. Help out, volunteer and donate. Take a picture and send it in. We want to see our everyday folks as celebrities lending their helping hand. Many of your local businesses make it easy for customers to give at their store locations. But to get involved with volunteering or larger donations, here’s how to help.
Donation Information
American Red Cross Los Angeles
Tel. +1.888.864.3575
Donate money and bulk supplies, volunteer and help in fundraising efforts.
Salvation Army
Tel. +1 800.725.2769
The Salvation Army needs immediate monetary donations.
LA Times Family Fund and KTLA Charities Fire Relief Campaign
Tel. + 1 877.713.0278
The LA Times, KTLA-TV and the McCormick Tribune Foundation will match half of the first $500,000 raised for disaster relief.
Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association
Tel. + 1 213.480.4302
Monetary donations and gift cards needed to support active firefighters and their families.
Operation USA
Tel. + 1 800.678.7255
Donate to provide medical supplies for victims of California's wildfire emergency.
Volunteer to Help
Volunteers should not go directly to evacuation sites! Contact these active volunteer agencies for volunteer assistance opportunities.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
Tel. +1 800.VOLUNTEER
Non-residents can donate time, blood and money to and help victims of the Southern California wildfire emergency.
HelpInDisaster.org
Register with this national organization to find local volunteer opportunities in Southern California's fire-devastated regions.
Local Volunteer Agencies
Volunteer San Diego
Tel. +1 858.636.4131
Register and check Volunteer San Diego's project calendar for local fire disaster relief volunteer opportunities.
Orange County Volunteer Center
Tel. +1 714.953.5757
Volunteer needs from local Orange County agencies requiring immediate assistance to help victims of the Southern California fire emergency.
Santa Clarita Valley Volunteer Resource Center
Tel. + 1 661.250.3730
Volunteers can register with the Santa Clarita Valley Volunteer Resource Center to help victims of the Southern California fires.
Hands on San Bernadino
Tel. + 1 909.980.2857
Register to join the Hands on San Bernardino's "Wildfire 2007 Response Team."
Animal Rescue & Support
Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles California 90016; Tel. + 1 888.772.2521
Donate money to helping save pets during natural disasters including the Los Angeles wildfire emergency.
San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St., San Diego California 92110; Tel. + 1 619.299.7012
Donate to "Firestorm 2007" and help support animal victims of the Southern California wildfires.