Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Pledge $10 Million to Assist Maui Wildfire Victims
Media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have committed a substantial sum of $10 million towards offering direct financial aid to individuals on Maui who have been displaced from their homes due to the devastating wildfires. This generous contribution will be managed through the newly established People’s Fund of Maui, an initiative aimed at extending financial support to those affected by the recent wildfires.
The People’s Fund of Maui has been designed to provide vital assistance to adults who are currently unable to return to their primary residences as a result of the recent wildfires that have swept through the region. Both homeowners and renters will benefit from a monthly allowance of $1,200, a gesture that aims to alleviate the challenges posed by this tragic situation. The fund’s website details its mission to extend its support to those in need and seeks additional donations to ensure its sustainable operation over an extended period.
As part of their commitment to aiding the affected community, Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as “The Rock,” and Oprah Winfrey have drawn inspiration from a similar initiative initiated by music icon Dolly Parton. Following the destructive wildfires that swept through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 2016, Parton established a fund known as My People Fund, which offered direct financial assistance to families who had lost their homes and possessions.
Reflecting on their decision, Johnson and Winfrey revealed that their primary goal was to address the immediate needs of the affected population. In a video released alongside the announcement, Johnson stated, “You want to take care of the greatest need of the people, and that’s giving them money.” The duo expressed their gratitude for the support and willingness of individuals eager to contribute to the cause.
The Dollywood Foundation, spearheaded by Jeff Conyers, played a pivotal role in supporting Parton’s initiative. Conyers shared that his team collaborated with Winfrey’s group, lending their insights and experience gained from administrating My People Fund to help shape the new Maui-based initiative.
Winfrey, who has a part-time residence on Maui, has personally witnessed the impact of the wildfires and the subsequent challenges faced by residents. The wildfires have claimed numerous lives and destroyed an unprecedented number of structures. In an effort to facilitate efficient assistance to those in need, the People’s Fund of Maui requires applicants to provide a government ID and a utility bill that demonstrates their connection to a lost or uninhabitable residence.
Supported by the Entertainment Industry Fund, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that aids celebrities in their philanthropic endeavors, the People’s Fund of Maui aspires to offer financial relief for at least six months to qualifying residents. However, the fund’s continuation and duration will ultimately be determined by public support and contributions. Winfrey and Johnson’s pledge reflects their determination to provide tangible aid to those affected by the wildfires and reinforce the spirit of solidarity during challenging times.
