In a joint effort to aid the victims of the devastating wildfires on Maui, media mogul Oprah Winfrey and actor Dwayne Johnson have committed a substantial sum of $10 million. The dynamic duo unveiled their initiative, the People’s Fund of Maui, on Thursday.
Under this newly established fund, individuals who find themselves unable to return to their homes due to the recent wildfires will receive direct financial assistance. Specifically, the People’s Fund of Maui will provide a monthly stipend of $1,200 to affected adults, including both homeowners and renters. The fund’s official website outlines these details while also emphasizing its intention to seek additional contributions to extend the duration of support.
During the tumultuous period of wildfires, Dwayne Johnson, known for his role in “Young Rock,” and Oprah Winfrey deliberated on the most impactful way to provide aid. In a poignant video accompanying the announcement, Johnson expressed, “How do we help?… You want to take care of the greatest need of the people, and that’s giving them money.” The shared sentiment among the two philanthropists is apparent as they endeavor to address the pressing needs of the affected population.
Oprah Winfrey, who maintains a part-time residence on Maui, visited an emergency shelter in the aftermath of the wildfire’s devastation. Tragically, the fires resulted in the loss of at least 115 lives, with an undetermined number of individuals still unaccounted for. Notably, the wildfire that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina on August 8th stands as the deadliest blaze in the United States in over a century.
As meteorologists cautioned against the potential for further wildfire outbreaks due to strong winds and low humidity, the need for assistance remains urgent. To qualify for aid from the People’s Fund of Maui, applicants are required to present a government-issued ID and a utility bill in their name, confirming their displaced or uninhabitable residence.
In forming their plan, both Winfrey and Johnson sought counsel from esteemed figures within the community, including Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, Keali’i Reichel, Archie Kalepa, Ekolu Lindsey, and other prominent individuals. Facilitating their charitable endeavor is the Entertainment Industry Fund, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that specializes in supporting celebrities’ philanthropic initiatives.
While Johnson and Winfrey aspire to sustain the fund’s assistance for a minimum of six months, the longevity of their endeavor hinges upon the generosity of the American public. They acknowledge that the duration of aid will be determined by the level of support and contributions from individuals across the nation.
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