WILDFIRE FUNDRAISING SPECIAL EDITION
Compiled by Kelly Ryan
The Walt Disney Co. pledged to donate $2 million toward relief efforts for victims of the Southern California wildfires. Disney made an initial contribution of $200,000 to the American Red Cross. The other $1.8 million was directed toward volunteer centers and future rebuilding. A portion of the funds will later be used to restore Southern California’s natural environment. Furthermore, Disney distributed care packages to shelters. Evacuees at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego and OC shelters encountered surprise visits by Disney characters. Disneyland Resort also will host firefighters and their families for a special day of appreciation.
The Pacific Life Foundation gave an emergency grant of $500,000 to the American Red Cross Southern California Wildfires Fund. The funds were directed to provide shelter, food and counseling for victims. The foundation is the charitable arm of Pacific Life Insurance Co. in Newport Beach.
Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks teamed up with the Samueli Foundation to donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross of OC. The money will be directed to support recent wildfire victims. Also, Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks hosted a fundraising drive to raise an additional $333,000. This is the third time Honda Center and the Ducks have hosted a fundraising event with the Red Cross. The last event raised relief funds for Hurricane Katrina survivors in 2005.
Los Angeles-based Union Bank of California Foundation gave $200,000 to support wildfire relief efforts. The funds were distributed directly to charities based on critical needs for emergency shelter, food and clothing. Also, Union Bank of California activated a disaster relief program for customers. The program allows mortgage and consumer loan customers payment deferrals of up to 120 days as well as reduced rates on loans.
Target Brands Inc. donated $1 million and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. gave $250,000 to aid wildfire victims. Target is the county’s largest retailer, with 27 OC stores. It contributed funds to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Target made supply donations of non-perishable food, water, air mattresses, chairs and pillows. Wal-Mart has 11 OC stores.
Wells Fargo Bank created several programs to help victims of the wildfires. The programs feature payment options for affected customers with an existing home mortgage. Also, customers will have access to emergency unsecured loans and home equity line increases. Wells Fargo has offered case-by-case assistance for small business customers including credit protection activation, leeway in payments and fee waivers. In addition, Wells Fargo pledged $500,000 to the American Red Cross and other agencies.
Office Depot stores throughout Southern California offered free in-store services during the wildfire crisis. The retailer offered domestic fax service, Internet access and cell phone and laptop charging for free.
More than 20 OC Home Depot stores made efforts to have high-demand items shipped in and restocked on an hourly basis during the crisis. Such items were: dust masks, tarps, buckets, water, extension cords, trash cans, trash bags, air purifiers, flashlights and batteries. Also, Home Depot gave $30,000 to the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.
