Beyoncé has pledged a significant contribution of $2.5 million (£2 million) through her BeyGOOD Foundation to assist those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which have claimed 24 lives and displaced thousands since their eruption on 7 January.
The donation, announced on Sunday, is aimed at aiding families in the Altadena and Pasadena neighborhoods of Los Angeles who have lost their homes. In addition, funds will go to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of displaced residents.
Beyoncé's team wrote on social media:
"BeyGOOD is taking action by announcing the LA Fire Relief Fund with a donation of 2.5 million dollars. The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires."
According to a press release, BeyGOOD staff have been collaborating with volunteer service organizations and churches since the start of the wildfires to identify residents in dire need of support.
The wildfires have caused massive destruction, with thousands losing their homes and several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Miles Teller, Mel Gibson, Joshua Jackson, and Milo Ventimiglia, among those who have suffered property damage.
Beyoncé’s donation is part of a wider response from celebrities rallying to support relief efforts:
This generous donation is part of Beyoncé’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy through her BeyGOOD Foundation, which has supported causes ranging from housing crises to disaster relief efforts around the globe.
As the recovery efforts continue, Beyoncé’s contribution underscores the importance of celebrity activism in helping communities rebuild and recover from catastrophic events.