Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Oprah Winfrey have pledged $10 million for the victims of the devastating Maui wildfires.
The blaze in western Maui is one of the most devastating wildfires the U.S. has ever seen in more than a century, with state leaders and rescuers still tackling the disaster.
The wildfire, which started on August 8, destroyed historic towns and caused at least 115 deaths.
Thousands of acres of land have been consumed by the devastating Maui wildfires and more than 380 people are still missing.
To help those affected by the catastrophe, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Oprah Winfrey have pledged $10 million to kickstart the ‘People’s Fund of Maui.’
In a video shared by both celebs, Winfrey said: “We were so concerned about what was happening in Maui that we were texting back and forth.”
Both stars, who have properties in Hawaii, coordinated the initiative, with the host saying that she was inspired after reading about the philanthropic endeavors of Dolly Parton during a Tennessee wildfire in 2016.
“I read this article that Dolly Parton had given money in her community. And I said, I think this is the answer,” Oprah said.
Johnson also explained further details, saying: “Every adult resident who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery.”
The stars are encouraging public donations, with Winfrey ensuring that the funds will go directly into the pockets of those suffering from the disaster.
“With disasters like this, the number one need is money in-hand,” Johnson said. “People being able to have their own agency, being able to make decisions for themselves about what they need and what their family needs: That’s our goal is to get that to the people now.”
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