WILDFIRE DISASTER RELIEF

Published January 8, 2025

I hope this message finds you all safe and well.

As you’re likely aware, our region is currently facing devastating wildfires and severe winds. The Pacific Palisades community has been especially hard-hit, with reports of over 10,000 homes, businesses, and more lost. The fires continue to advance toward the borders of Malibu and Santa Monica with no signs of abating.

To the northeast, the Eaton Canyon Fire that began in Altadena is spreading east toward Monrovia and west toward Glendale. Meanwhile, the northwest side of our District is battling the Hurst Fire in Sylmar.

These events have already brought immense loss, and as District Leaders, we must act swiftly and decisively. I’ve received outreach from my governor classmates around the world offering assistance, and you may also have fielded similar inquiries or be wondering how we can respond effectively.

Here is our current plan of action:

1. Disaster Relief Fund:
   I have submitted an application to the District Charitable Foundation to establish a conduit for monetary donations. A Disaster Relief Fund is being activated as we speak. Once finalized, I will share the details with our entire District and governor classmates to begin collecting contributions. The Charitable Foundation and I will be meeting to discuss the utilization method of these funds. 
   Click here to make a donation to our District Wildfire Disaster Fund

2. Resource Directory:

   We’ve created a Wildfire Resource Directory to coordinate offers of support from Rotarians. In the past few hours, we’ve received an outpouring of generous offers, including:
   Hosting displaced Rotarians in unaffected areas.
   Providing transportation to move personal belongings to safety.
   Offering warm meals and companionship to those affected.
   
   If you are able to provide support click here and enter the support you may offer.
   If you are in need of support click here to access the Wildfires Resource Directory.
   
   The directory allows Rotarians to post services they are willing to provide and for those in need to access available resources. To maintain privacy, access to the directory is restricted to those logged into their ClubRunner accounts.

3. Volunteer Opportunities:

   We’ve compiled a list of evacuation centers and shelters in the affected areas (see below) and encourage your club to coordinate their donations and support efforts. To ensure efficiency and maximize impact, we’ve created a donation spreadsheet for clubs to document the items they plan to donate, the location, and the date of delivery.

   Suggested contributions include blankets, bottled water, face masks, warm meals, snacks, or items for animals at the dedicated Animal Shelters.

   Evacuation Centers/Shelters:
   Palisades Fire: Westwood Community Center, 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
   Hurst Fire: Ritchie Valens Community Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
   Eaton Fire: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA
   
   Animal Shelters:
   Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA
   Pierce College Equestrian Center, 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills, CA
   Rose Bowl (for larger animals), 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA
   Click here to sign your club up for a in-kind donation 
   
   We know things are changing constantly. We will try to communicate 
   as much as possible to give everyone updated on what the Rotarians in our District are reporting back. 

Albert Hernandez,
District Governor, Rotary District 5280