Oprah Winfrey And Dwayne Johnson Donate $10 Million To Maui Wildfire Relief Fund
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have teamed up to donate $10 million to the People’s Fund of Maui, which will go toward assisting those affected by the deadly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. The fund will give $1,200 each month to residents of the Lahaina and Kula areas on the island who are 18-years and older.
Winfrey and Johnson both appeared in a video pledging their donation and vowing to work towards having the fund last as long as necessary. “In this time of need, you want to take care of the greatest need of the people and that’s giving them money,” Johnson, who is of Samoan descent, said in the video.
“Oprah lives here in Maui, I was raised in these islands. My family are buried in these islands. It’s going to take a long time to rebuild. It will probably get a little worse before it gets better, but we’re here doing what we can do.”
The pair also spoke on the tragic impact of the wildfires in a press release and their intent to help provide support through the fund and discourse with residents on the island. “I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service,” Winfrey said in a press release.
“The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden. The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those impacted as they determine what rebuilding looks like for them.”
Johnson again touched on his ancestry while invoking a message of unity and determination. “As people around the world watched the catastrophic loss and devastation caused by the Maui wildfires, they also witnessed the great spirit and resilience of our Polynesian culture and the tremendous strength of the people of Maui,” the actor said. “Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Maui come together, and we rise — that’s what makes us stronger.”
He continued, adding “We are beyond grateful to be working alongside esteemed community leaders of Maui to launch the People’s Fund of Maui. These leaders are offering their guidance to ensure our fund can put money directly in the hands of those individuals most affected.”
Johnson also voiced his appreciation to those who have shown their solidarity in the effort to offset the damage incurred by the natural disaster. “To all who have already offered your help, thank you for your support and for those wanting to help now, your prayers and resources are a welcome assistance for those displaced within the Maui community,” the 51-year-old concluded.
The death toll of the Maui wildfires has officially reached 115 people, many of whom have not been identified. Hundreds of other residents of the island have yet to be located.
More from VIBE.com
