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| Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson |
Two of the biggest names in show business have joined forces to help the victims of the Maui wildfires.
In response to the devastating Maui wildfires and immediate needs in the community, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson announced the establishment of “People’s Fund of Maui” to distribute cash directly to those who were displaced and affected by the fire.The fund is launching with an initial $10 million donated by Winfrey and Johnson and a call to action for others to contribute to this meaningful and ongoing relief effort.
“And our goal is to be able to give people money regularly for at least the next six months so that they will be able to make decisions for themselves and be able to have some sense of value for what they can bring to themselves and to their families," Johnson told NBC. "We will continue the fund for as long as you help us continue the fund.”
“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,” said Winfrey, former talk show host and head of a media empire that includes magazines, a production company and a television network.
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“The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden," said Winfrey, who owns an estate on the island. "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.”
Any Maui resident 18 years or older who was displaced by the wildfires that swept the areas of Lahaina and Kula on the island of Maui can receive $1,200 each month for at least six months to help assist them as they get back on their feet. All net proceeds will go to those directly impacted.
Collaborating closely with an advisory board and support from the local community and respected elders, this new 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.
"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,” said Johnson, who lived in Hawaii when he was younger.
Collaborating closely with an advisory board and support from the local community and respected elders, this new 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.
"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,” said Johnson, who lived in Hawaii when he was younger.
“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," said the movie star, who is of Samoan and Black heritage.
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE The search for the missing continues three weeks after the fire started. |
The fire's start is still being investigated but initially the culprit appears to be sparking powerlines. Hurricane-level winds helped spread the fire quickly on August 8 causing an evacuation of the seaside town of Lahaina. The death toll from the wildfires that decimated most of the historic and tourist favorite town stands at 115 but that number is likely to rise. There are still 385 unaccounted individuals.
As the fires spread tourists were advised not to come to Maui but as recovery begins, tourists are again being encouraged to visit. Although Lahaina had been mostly reduced to ashes, other parts of the island are still operating. Tourism is the island's main industry and source of employment.
Hawaii's US Senator Brian Schatz, posted on social media: “Maui update. South Maui resorts (Lahaina is West Maui) NEED visitors. Furloughs and layoffs starting because people think the whole island is closed. It is not. If you are planning a trip to Wailea or Kihei, don’t cancel. If you want to come to Hawaii pls consider South Maui.”
"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," said Johnson. "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.”
FYI:
FYI:
- To contribute to People’s Fund of Maui visit PeoplesFundofMaui.org. All net proceeds will go to those directly impacted in Maui.
- Impacted residents can visit the website for more information HERE.
The $10 million is just a start. The initial funding is being provided by Oprah Winfrey through the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, and Johnson.
“And our goal is to be able to give people money regularly for at least the next six months so that they will be able to make decisions for themselves and be able to have some sense of value for what they can bring to themselves and to their families," Johnson told NBC. "We will continue the fund for as long as you help us continue the fund.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me at Threads.net/eduardodiok, @DioknoEd on Twitter or at the blog Views From the Edge.
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