Companies Respond to California Wildfires

Mon Jan 13 13:30:00 UTC 2025
Colleen Olphert

company response california wildfires - 1

As wildfires persist in devastating southern California—tearing through homes and businesses, and forcing entire communities to relocate—many companies have committed cash aid and/or resources to support affected victims.

To help CSR teams determine the best course of action, BCCCC is tapping our vast member community, gathering insights from company members. We hope one or more of the following examples may prove helpful to anyone preparing to address wildfire relief and recovery. A running list of NPOs to which many are donating is included at the end of this post, followed by several disaster relief resources.

Cash Contributions | In-Kind Donations | Crisis Support | Matching Programs | Customer Donation | Support for Affected Team Members | Employee Volunteers Helping to Rebuild

If your company is working on a wildfires response, please take a moment to share it here. Our goal is to highlight different ways of giving, supporting affected team members, and otherwise showing up for key stakeholders, including community partners and customers. We will update this post as more examples are submitted and curated from third-party sources.

COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL

To assist local communities and families with rebuilding, Comcast NBCUniversal will provide $2.5 million in funding as an inaugural corporate partner to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ ReBUILD LA initiative. In addition, contributions will be made to organizations working on the ground to provide short and long-term assistance including the American Red Cross, Entertainment Industry Foundation SoCal Fire Fund, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, among others.

Comcast NBCUniversal is also providing emergency financial funds, in addition to health and welfare benefits including access to temporary housing and hotels at discounted rates, to employees who have been affected by the destruction of the wildfires. Through the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Disaster Assistance Fund, the company is providing grants to team members in need as well as making a special company double match for employee donations made to the fund through the Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gift Program.

PARAMOUNT

"Our hearts are breaking for everyone impacted in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Paramount employees and our friends, partners, and peers in the industry. As the devastation unfolds, we will continue to provide resources to impacted employees and support for our heroic local news crews who are keeping the public informed," the company shared via LinkedIn.

Paramount will donate $1 million across organizations, providing critical support for those in need and first responders. The company invited others to join in supporting non-profits on-the-ground.

LOWE'S

Lowe's is donating $2 million to support relief and recovery, "as a part of the company's commitment to supporting communities before, during and after disasters. Lowe's donation will assist first responders and nonprofits that are responding to critical needs like supporting evacuations, emergency shelter and distributing urgently needed supplies like water, N95 masks, air purifiers, ash sifters and storage."

HONDA

Honda is donating $500,000 in disaster relief funds to the American Red Cross to support the tens of thousands of residents impacted by the California wildfires. The donation will enable the American Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this disaster across the affected region, home to the company's U.S. sales and marketing headquarters and its associates.

In addition to the corporate disaster recovery donation, Honda Financial Services (HFS) and Acura Financial Services (AFS) are offering payment extensions and lease deferrals to customers impacted by the natural disaster. Honda is also offering its associates an opportunity to join the relief effort through the company's matching fund program. Honda will match eligible donations on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to a maximum of $1,000 per associate contribution.

MGM RESORTS

“In the wake of devastating loss and unimaginable tragedy resulting from wildfires burning out of control in Southern California, MGM Resorts is pledging... a $1 million philanthropic donation in support of relief efforts,” Jyoti Chopra, MGM Resorts Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer, wrote in a company-wide e-mail. “Our Company’s funds will be allocated to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.”

MGM Resorts is also matching all donations from employees to relief efforts through the company’s giving portal. MGM Resorts is also offering a 35-percent room discount for those impacted by the wildfires, based on availability.

AMGEN

Amgen and the Amgen Foundation have committed $10 million in disaster relief for those impacted by the Southern California wildfires. The funds will support affected communities through the California Community Foundation, Direct Relief, and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The Amgen Foundation is also matching employee donations toward disaster relief, continuing its commitment to supporting communities during times of need.

“Southern California has been Amgen’s home for more than four decades and we are standing tall to support our community through this difficult time,” said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen.

TOYOTA

"Toyota contributes annually to The American Red Cross and SBP, and these funds are utilized to support recovery efforts when disasters strike around the nation," the company shared on its website. "To further assist affected communities, Toyota is matching contributions for donations made by U.S.-based employees to support The American Red Cross, SBP and other eligible nonprofits.

Additionally, Toyota Financial Services announced it is offering payment relief options to affected customers. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas."

TELUS HEALTH

"We are devastated by the wildfires impacting communities across California," the company shared via LinkedIn. "To support our clients and the community, we have activated our 24/7 TELUS Health Community Crisis Support line in the United States, available 24/7 at 1-877-757-7587. By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone.This is in addition to support provided through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helpline for eligible employees of our clients in the United States."

CARRIER

In a news release posted on the company's website, Carrier shared that it will donate over $2.5 million in indoor air purifiers to help improve air quality for the communities most impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. The intention is for these air purifiers to directly support essential service workers in the impacted area such as the Los Angeles Fire Department, local schools and hospitals, helping provide healthier indoor environments for those at risk from hazardous air quality.

AEG's LA GALAXY & LOS ANGELES KINGS

AEG’s LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Kings have united with 10 other local professional sports franchises (Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Ducks, LAFC, Angel City FC and Sparks) to pledge a combined donation of more than $8 million to help those impacted by the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. These combined financial resources will be utilized to support American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and various local animal rescue organizations.

THE CLOROX COMPANY

"We want to do our small part to help the community heal," the company shared via LinkedIn. "Through The Clorox Company Foundation, we've committed $100,000 to our longtime partner American Red Cross, California Community Foundation and World Central Kitchen. Our brands have also made cash and in-kind donations, and we will continue to work with our nonprofit partners on the ground to provide essential items for people in need."

BANK OF AMERICA

Bank of America is committing $1 million immediately to the American Red Cross to support the needs of those impacted by the Southern California wildfires. "Our teams are actively working to help our clients, local communities and teammates, and will continue to do so," the company shared on LinkedIn.

WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION

Wells Fargo pledged $1.3 million from its foundation to support immediate and long-term wildfire relief efforts, according to Reuters.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

"At Saks Fifth Avenue, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. In response to the devastating Southern California wildfires, we’ve partnered with Delivering Good, Inc. - a national nonprofit supporting people in need - to provide a donation of essential clothing and necessities," the company shared via LinkedIn. "These items will be delivered directly to Central City Neighborhood Partners, where they will provide much-needed relief to individuals and families affected by the wildfires."

AIRBNB

Airbnb is working to provide free, emergency housing to an additional 25,000 people impacted by the wildfires, including survivors, evacuees, first responders, and firefighters. In partnership with 211LA, the company has already helped 6,500 people.

GAP INC.

Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta are hosting pickup zones for free N95 masks and other essentials for those impacted or looking to help.

Across Gap Inc., brands are are working with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, Bab2Baby, and Good + Foundation to facilitate product donations to those in need. Gap Foundation has also made contributions to organizations such as American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

VERIZON

Verizon is offering support such as waiving call/text/data usage fees, providing free bottled water, charging of devices and free Wi-Fi at select Verizon stores and shelters, and by deploying a Wireless Emergency Communications Center. In addition, Verizon has deployed free Wi-Fi and charging stations for public use at a number of American Red Cross shelters throughout the community, with additional deployments underway.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

The Walt Disney Company announced it is committing $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts. The company said it is working with several on-the-ground relief groups including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Disney is also offering its LA-based employees assistance through its Employee Relief Fund, the company said.

"As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation," Disney CEO Bob Iger, said in a statement."Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need."

WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY

"It is tragic to see the impact the devastating fires continue to have on the Southern California region. Warner Bros. Discovery is committing $15 million for immediate response and rebuilding efforts," the company shared on LinkedIn.

"For the more than one thousand impacted employees, we are continuing to help by paying for hotel rooms and temporary housing, rental cars, meals, counseling, and are establishing an onsite emergency relief center...

Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead."

MATTEL, INC.

"The entire Mattel, Inc. organization grieves with the greater LA community and those who have been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires," shared Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO via LinkedIn.

Mattel Children’s Foundation is supporting relief efforts led by longstanding nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, The Salvation Army, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Good+Foundation, and Baby2Baby. Many Mattel team members have donated their time and opened their homes to their neighbors and colleagues in need.

WALMART

"Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are acting quickly to help," the company shared on its website. "Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing $2.5 million to support relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential products and grants."

Over the past several days, Walmart stores in Southern California have donated food, water and gift cards to help first responders and shelters support people in need. The company is also working with nonprofits and suppliers to bring resources into communities, such as free meals.

LYFT

Per the LA Times, Lyft has launched its Lyft Up Disaster Response program to provide access to free and discounted rides to help those in the affected areas. Up to 15,000 riders in need can use a code, valid for two rides up to $25 each ($50 total), through January 15th.

VUORI

The company offered clothing to members of its Instagram audience affected by the wildfires, sharing:

"While we continue to witness first-hand the devastation caused by the fires, the stories of selflessness and acts of compassion we hear and see from across our city during this time is nothing short of inspiring. We would like to donate Vuori products to as many fire victims as we can. If you’ve lost your home or belongings in the fires, please visit one of the Vuori locations listed below. We’d love to help you and share a list of local partners also offering support to those in need."

NETFLIX

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by the devastating wildfires across Southern California. Many of our employees and creative partners have been directly impacted by this disaster," wrote co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, on the company website. "To help our community recover, Netflix will be donating $10 million split between the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and Entertainment Community Fund, to provide immediate relief and will continue to support families and businesses as they work to rebuild in the months and years ahead.

Beyond this financial contribution, we are directly assisting all of our impacted employees at this incredibly difficult time, including assistance with temporary housing needs for those who lost their homes. We are also continuing to double-match all employee charitable contributions through our employee giving program."

FORD

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating fires in Southern California. Ford has always shown up for communities, and we are committed to being there for the Los Angeles area now and over the long journey ahead.

"Today we announced two grants to support urgent critical relief needs, one to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and one to the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund," the company shared via LinkedIn.

"These contributions are on top of Ford Philanthropy’s long-term, ongoing support for the American Red Cross, Feeding America and Team Rubicon, organizations that are already providing shelter, food, and other on-the-ground support."

"We know that there is more we can and will do, but right now our focus is on helping to address immediate critical needs. That includes ensuring that firefighters, first responders and others risking their lives are cared for and supported."

Resources for Planning and Executing Corporate Disaster Relief or Resilience Programs

MEMBER MEETUP NOTES | Takeaways from a Conversation on Strategies for Disaster Relief

During these difficult times, we have temporarily un-gated these members-only meeting notes, so all companies (BCCCC members and non-members alike) can benefit from the latest thinking on disaster relief strategy. Browse the takeaways on practical approaches for setting up disaster relief funds, engaging with stakeholders, leveraging employee donation matching programs, mobilizing resources, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing organizational preparedness.

WEBINAR | Fostering Community Resilience

We have temporarily un-gated this members-only webinar recap, so all companies (BCCCC members and non-members alike) can learn about helping their communities prepare for disasters and mitigating the most disastrous impacts. Watch to learn how to add community resiliency to disaster relief programming to strengthen corporate and community response to crises.

ARTICLE | Community Resilience, Disaster Relief & Resilience

This article explores community resilience through the lens of disaster resilience. What does this facet of resilience look like? Where did the concept originate? Why is it so important right now? And what can companies be doing to build community/disaster resilience in a world of ever-evolving threats?

ISSUE BRIEF | Disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery

We have temporarily un-gated this issue brief (mini whitepaper) on helping communities rebound from a traumatic event or natural disaster. The brief outlines multilevel and cross-sector efforts, with a focus on the immediate needs to be met—such as trauma support, and, in the case of extreme weather events, food, water, and shelter—as well as long-term needs to support development. In order to quickly and efficiently deploy corporate resources, corporate citizenship professionals must partner internally and externally to make the best possible use of all available resources, from corporate giving and volunteering to security, logistics, and supply chain management.