Twelve sports teams from Los Angeles and Anaheim announced Monday that they would contribute more than $8 million to help victims of the wildfires that have ravaged the region since last week.
Anaheim Ducks, Angel City FC, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers , the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Sparks made the announcement during a joint meeting. statement.
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Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, January 9, 2025. (Ethan Swope/AP)
The money will be used to support the victims and those fighting the fires. The American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and several other local community organizations animal rescue were designated as recipients of the donation.
Los Angeles residents who were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fires will also receive approximately $3 million in Fanatics merchandise. The teams, in partnership with their own foundations, partnered with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to provide the hardware. Evacuated victims can participate in distribution events on January 17 at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.
Wildfires have left dozens dead and thousands of structures burned. Several games were also canceled or moved because of the wildfires.
Palisades Fire near the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 11, 2025. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The Rams were scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings in their playoff game Monday night, but the game was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The Lakers already had a game postponed last week due to the fires. The team said Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs will be dedicated to the Los Angeles community.
“We are more committed to Los Angeles than ever,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said in a press release. “We recognize that our community is not the only one affected by this situation. We are committed to helping people as much as we can and we will do so.”
The authorities warned on Monday that the threat to the region was not over.
“We’re not in the clear yet. I want to make sure. We’re not in the clear yet and we can’t let our guard down,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
“With increased winds upon us as we speak, the City of Los Angeles Fire Department has maximized our resource capabilities and response capabilities,” Crowley added. “All available LAFD resources have been staffed. I have strategically prepositioned engine strike teams and task forces, which are dedicated to rapid response to any new fires that break out in the city.”
