Twelve Los Angeles and Anaheim Sports Teams Donate $8 Million to Wildfire Victims
Twelve sports teams from the Los Angeles and Anaheim areas announced on Monday that they would be contributing over $8 million to support the victims of the recent wildfires. The teams, which include the 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, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Sparks, made the announcement in a joint statement.
The money will be distributed among several organizations, including 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 local animal rescue organizations. Additionally, about $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise will be provided to Los Angeles residents who were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fires.
The wildfires have left dozens dead and thousands of structures burned, with several games being canceled or moved due to the fires. The Los Angeles Rams’ playoff game was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, while the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the San Antonio Spurs was postponed last week. The Lakers announced that Monday night’s game will be dedicated to the Los Angeles community.
“We are committed as ever to Los Angeles,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said. “We recognize it’s not just our community that has been impacted by this. We’re committed to helping people as much as we can and we’re going to do that.”
The teams will also be hosting distribution events for the Fanatics merchandise on January 17 at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles residents who were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fires can participate in the distribution events. Officials warned that the threat to the area is not over and that residents must remain vigilant.
“We are not in the clear. I want to make sure of that. We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.