Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson are stepping up to help those affected by the Maui wildfire disaster, and they’re encouraging others to do the same.
On Thursday, the two announced the newly created People’s Fund of Maui to help residents displaced by wildfires on the Hawaiian island. The pair kicked off the campaign with a combined $10 million donation.
“We are beyond grateful to be working alongside esteemed community leaders of Maui to launch the People’s Fund of Maui,” Johnson said in a press release. “These leaders are offering their guidance to ensure our fund can put money directly in the hands of those individuals most affected.”
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Maui residents who are 18 or older and were displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula can receive $1,200 each month to help them get back on their feet.
“I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service,” Winfrey said. “The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden.”
Johnson is of Samoan descent and spent part of his childhood in Hawaii. Winfrey owns an estate in Maui.
The two posted a video on social media urging their followers to donate to the fund. All net proceeds will go to those directly impacted by the fires.
The Maui wildfire disaster has claimed at least 115 lives, according to Maui police. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green recently said about 6,000 people have been displaced.
The People’s Fund of Maui falls under the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). To contribute visit PeoplesFundofMaui.org. Those affected by the fires can get more information here.
