Leonardo DiCaprio is jumping into the wildfires relief effort.
The Oscar winning actor and longtime environmentalist has confirmed a $1 million commitment in partnership with his organization Re:wild and its rapid response program. The funds will be directed to support both urgent needs and post-fire recovery with initial aid immediately benefitting the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society and SoCal Fire Fund.
He made the announcement on Wednesday on Instagram Stories by posting, “The Los Angeles wildfires are devastating our city,” along with a list of the organizations mentioned above. DiCaprio’s Re:wild is an environmental conservation organization founded by a group of conservation scientists together with the actor. Insiders refers to the org as a “force multiplier” that connects Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies and the public to “protect and rewild.”
DiCaprio, who is known to have spent a chunk of time living along the coast in Malibu which was greatly impacted by the Palisades Fire, is the latest to step up and commit a substantial sum to relief efforts. Eva Longoria and her foundation committed $1 million to support the Latino Community Foundation — led by Julián Castro — as well as the California Community Foundation with the funds, aimed at addressing the immediate needs as well as long-term recovery for those affected by both the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Amid catastrophic destruction on the Westside of Los Angeles to Altadena and surrounding areas from the Palisades and Eaton blazes, Hollywood studios, streamers, agencies and nonprofits have rallied to provide support. The CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Creative Artists Agency; CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), the aid organization co-founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee; and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation launched the SoCal Fire Fund.
Disney donated $15 million, Warner Bros. Discovery committed $15 million for relief efforts while Amazon, Comcast and Netflix directed $10 million apiece and Sony pledged an additional $5 million. Paramount Global and Fox Corp added $1 million, to name a few. Earlier today, YouTube and Google announced that the companies had committed $15 million in addition to opening up studio space for creators that have been impacted by the disaster.