ACTRA Toronto extends our heartfelt support and sympathy to our members and all those impacted by the fires burning across Los Angeles County, which have killed at least five people, forced the evacuation of nearly 180,000 others, destroyed more than 1,000 structures, and show no signs of slowing down.
“We honour those providing emergency support and rescue efforts on the ground,” said ACTRA Toronto President Kate Ziegler, “and we sincerely hope that everyone is able to find the resources needed for the safety of all in your care. We are extending solidarity and the fortitude to get through this challenging time to everyone in Los Angeles County.”
ACTRA Toronto donates $25,000 to The AFC’s Emergency Aid Program
The AFC is a uniquely special organization and partner of ACTRA Toronto. While resources from The AFC are always available to artists, now is the time to renew our union’s commitment as we adjust to changes in our industry, approach 1,000 days of the commercial lockout and recognize the unconscionable crisis impacting ACTRA members who have been displaced due to the horrific wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County.
Enough cannot be said about The AFC and the work done by Executive Director David Hope and staff. This week, as the wildfires have decimated homes and neighbourhoods across Los Angeles County, David reached out to ACTRA Toronto to ask– ‘how are the members doing? Are any reaching out in need?’ He asked us to remind ACTRA Toronto members The AFC is here to help. It is this forward-thinking and care-centred approach to providing resources that makes The AFC singular.
This is why ACTRA Toronto has committed to making a $25,000 donation to The AFC’s Emergency Aid Program to assist ACTRA Toronto members. This donation comes as part of our union’s mandate to support funding resources that meet our members in their time of need. Like The AFC, ACTRA Toronto recognizes need manifests in a variety of ways. If you are in need, we hope you will seek the support and resources available by contacting The AFC.
ACTRA Toronto President Kate Ziegler and The AFC Executive Director David Hope
Please find below some LA Wildfire Resources for those affected and those wishing to support them.
Resources
The American Red Cross is focused on making sure everyone has a safe place to stay and no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone.
Direct Relief’s California wildfire map provides real-time detection of new fires and tracks changes in the intensity and perimeter fire burn areas.
Find a list of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank‘s partner local food pantries.
Several Los Angeles restaurants are offering meals and shelter to those displaced or evacuated due to the LA County wildfires.
The Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) team is maintaining a list of resources available to those affected by the fires.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies’ Disability & Disaster Hotline provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has a number of resources for those impacted by the wildfires.
Watch Duty app is widely used by firefighters across California to provide real-time updates, video feeds, and detailed evacuation maps to help you stay ahead of wildfire threats. Download in Google Play or the Apple App Store or wherever you get your apps.
Donate
DEFY:DISASTER is the entertainment community’s collective and immediate response to natural disasters. It provide immediate and long-term support to those who are suffering extreme loss from wildfires. Your donation benefits brave firefighters and first responders who are serving these communities as they recover and rebuild.
Direct Relief works to equip health professionals in resource-poor communities to meet the challenges of diagnosing and caring for people in need.
GlobalGiving has announced its California Wildfire Relief Fund to support longer-term recovery efforts. Its immediate focus includes providing food and emergency medical supplies to impacted residents and their animals, as well as other aid to front-line workers.
GoFundMe has established a growing hub for its verified pages related to the local wildfires.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting financial donations and food donations at our two distribution centres.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is actively seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies.
The SoCal Fire Fund provides immediate and long-term support for community-centered recovery initiatives that aid students, school employees, and families impacted by the January 2025 fires.
World Central Kitchen, chef José Andrés’s food relief nonprofit, is on hand in L.A. to provide first responders and people who are evacuating with sandwiches and water.
