Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged $1 million (approximately £800,000) to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.
“The Los Angeles wildfires are devastating our city,” DiCaprio wrote in a message on Instagram Stories. “I am committing £800,000 in partnership with @rewild’s Rapid Response Program to support both urgent needs and post-fire recovery efforts. Initial aid will immediately benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, and SoCal Fire Fund – organisations providing much-needed resources to our first responders, firefighters, and the people, animals, and communities who need it most.”
DiCaprio, who grew up in Southern California, also shared links to the organisations to encourage others to contribute.
On Wednesday, Google and YouTube announced a combined donation of £12 million to Los Angeles-area relief organisations. Additionally, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, contributed £3.2 million, split between a £1.6 million cash donation and £1.6 million in advertising credits.
The advertising credits will support public service announcements for affected communities and fundraising appeals on Facebook and Instagram. The couple also donated an additional £1.6 million to provide on-the-ground relief through organisations like the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Pasadena Humane Society.
Several major companies have stepped up with significant contributions. Disney, Paramount, CAA, Comcast and NBCUniversal, Netflix, Amazon, and Warner Bros. Discovery have all donated to relief efforts.
YouTube, in particular, is offering additional support by providing production facilities to creators and artists affected by the wildfires once it is safe to reopen its Los Angeles offices. The platform also plans to host events in the coming months to help rebuild the YouTube creative community, according to CEO Neal Mohan.
As California battles one of its most destructive wildfire seasons, these substantial contributions aim to provide much-needed resources for recovery and rebuilding efforts.