– Massive wildfires erupted on the Hawaiian island of Maui, causing extensive damage, displacing thousands, and leading to multiple casualties.
– Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey pledged a $10 million donation to support recovery efforts by establishing The People’s Fund of Maui that will provide affected residents with a monthly stipend.
– Some celebrities, including Winfrey and Hilton, faced criticism for their responses to the fires, while others like Auli’i Cravalho and Jason Momoa actively supported relief efforts and encouraged tourists to visit the islands.
Full Story
Title: Supporting Maui’s Recovery Efforts: The People’s Fund and Celebrity Contributions
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In early August, devastating wildfires engulfed the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Entire neighborhoods were consumed, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The fires blazed across the island for four days, resulting in billions of dollars worth of damage, scorching vast acres of land, and tragically claiming the lives of at least 115 people. Hospitals were overwhelmed with burn victims, while displaced families sought refuge in shelters. The island’s communities were left shattered, with countless livelihoods upended.
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News of the catastrophe prompted prominent figures Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey to join forces and pledge their support to the recovery efforts. In a heartfelt announcement on August 31, they unveiled the creation of The People’s Fund of Maui, kickstarting it with a generous $10 million donation. This fund, facilitated in collaboration with community leaders and residents, aims to provide affected Hawaii residents aged 18 and above with a monthly $1,200 stipend. The Hollywood Reporter cited the involvement of respected figures such as Hōkūulani Holt-Padilla, Keali’i Reichel, Archie Kalepa, and others who played an instrumental role in establishing the fund. Requests for comment from representatives of Johnson and Winfrey were not immediately available.
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For Dwayne Johnson, whose family roots run deep in Hawaii, the devastating fires hit close to home. He expressed his deep sorrow in an Instagram video on August 14, acknowledging the collective heartbreak the community was experiencing. Urging his followers to contribute, Johnson emphasized the resilience and strength ingrained in their DNA, assuring everyone affected that they were not alone. Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism due to her ownership of extensive land on the island, with some locals accusing her and other wealthy landowners of gentrifying Maui and encroaching upon land that rightfully belongs to native Hawaiians. Notably, numerous other celebrities, including Jeff Bezos, Paris Hilton, and Stevie Nicks, also own property on the island.
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Amidst the outpouring of support from celebrities and public figures, some faced scrutiny for their responses to the fires. Winfrey encountered initial backlash when she visited a shelter on Maui accompanied by a camera crew, although they did not enter the premises. Similarly, Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, faced criticism for vacationing on the island shortly after the fires broke out. Native Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho expressed her heartache and frustration in an Instagram post following the disaster, highlighting the unpreparedness of the communities affected. Ultimately, the road to recovery has begun, with Hawaiian locals, including Jason Momoa, encouraging tourists to visit the islands, emphasizing responsible travel and support for local businesses.
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Various avenues exist for individuals to contribute to Maui’s recovery efforts. The Maui Strong Fund and the Maui Food Bank accept monetary and material donations. Organizations such as United For Maui and the Kākoʻo Maui Fund, which doubles donations, are also dedicated to providing relief. It is crucial to verify funds’ authenticity to ensure donations reach legitimate sources so as to avoid potential scams. Direct support to local Hawaiians and businesses is another impactful way to aid the recovery process. Together, with collective efforts and steadfast support, Maui will rebuild and restore its vibrant communities.
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