Fires across the Los Angeles area have destroyed thousands of structures and caused massive emotional distress in the industry-leading epicenter, prompting mass evacuations of nearly 200,000 residents. There are plenty of ways to support displaced citizens, and a handful of resources for entertainment industry workers, but some of the larger music companies and brands have taken matters into their own hands by making generous donations.
Angelenos are joining forces to contribute to established charities like the California Fire Foundation, the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, the L.A. Food Bank and the Pasadena Humane Society, among other specialized support centers (who are in constant need of volunteers) in areas including Santa Anita Park and the Pasadena Community Job Center, among others.
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Amazon Music
Amazon has pledged $10 million, with the money coming from Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, along with Ring and Whole Foods Market. The donation has been granted to American Red Cross of Southern California, FireAid, MusiCares Fire Relief Effort, World Central Kitchen, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Habitat for Los Angeles Wildfire Fund, and Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Relief/Recovery Fund, among others, per the company’s blog.
Sony Music
Sony has announced a $5 million donation in support of wildfire relief with the money going towards organizations supporting first responders, community relief and rebuilding efforts, and employee assistance programs.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation
Beyoncé has committed a total of $2.5 million in fire relief, with the donation going to families in Altadena and Pasadena. In addition to helping those who lost their homes and possessions, BeyGOOD will also assist churches and community centers in other impacted areas to address the immediate needs of people affected by the fires.
Discogs
Discogs, a music marketplace, has committed to donating sales revenue from Jan. 17 to MusiCares, a non-profit branch of the Recording Academy helping people in the music industry with evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services, and other essential living needs.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares
The Recording Academy and MusiCares have made a combined pledge of $1 million to support music professionals impacted by the crisis.
Metallica’s All In My Hands Foundation
Metallica has pledged $500,000 to aid the recovery process, with the funds supporting the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
Warner Music/Blavatnik Foundation
The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has announced an initial $1 million donation to the Los Angeles area fire relief and rebuilding efforts. The money will go to the California Community Foundation, LAFD Foundation, Project HOPE, and MusiCares, among other organizations.