Oprah Winfrey And Dwayne Johnson Launch Assistance Fund For Those Impacted By Maui Wildfires

Ted Johnson
·3 min read
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Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have established the People’s Fund of Maui, which will distribute cash directly to those who were impacted by the wildfires that devastated Lahaina and other parts of the island.

Winfrey and Johnson donated $10 million to launch the fund.

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The fund “will serve as a bridge to provide cash directly to the families and individuals affected so that they can personally determine how best to use the funds for themselves,” according to organizers in their announcement. Residents 18 and over who live in the affected area and who were displaced in the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula will be eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help then get through the period of recovery.

Contributions to the People’s Fund can be made here. More information for impacted residents is here.

Police say that 115 people died in the fires, the largest number of fatalities in a wildfire in more than a century. Thousands of buildings, the majority of them residential, were destroyed or damaged.

Winfrey said in a statement, “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. 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 said, “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.  Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Maui come together, and we rise – that’s what makes us stronger. 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. 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. I also want to offer my profound gratitude to all the first responders, local organizations and every individual who has worked tirelessly on the ground responding to this crisis.”

Others involved in the creation of the fund, including offering guidance and support, were Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, Keali’i Reichel, Archie Kalepa, Ekolu Lindsey, Kimo Falconer, Tiare Lawrence, Kaimana Brummel, Kaleikoa Ka’eo, Brian Keaulana, Kaimi Kaneholani, Henohea Kāne, Paele Kiakona, Ed Suwanjindar, Shep Gordon and Jason Momoa.

The People’s Fund is part of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

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