Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have made a heartfelt pledge to help those impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires.
The deadly wildfires in western Maui have captured worldwide attention, becoming the most devastating fires the United States has seen in over a century.
First responders and state leaders are still grappling with the catastrophe, with historic towns being destroyed and 388 people still missing. The wildfire - which initially started on August 8 - has also resulted in a minimum of 115 deaths and consumed thousands of acres of precious land.
In an attempt to help those affected by the devastation, stars Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have announced a generous donation of $10 million to kickstart the "People's Fund of Maui". This monumental pledge aims at "putting money directly in the pockets" of those suffering from this horrifying natural disaster.
Watch the star's incredible contribution below:"We were so concerned about what was happening in Maui that we were texting back and forth," said Winfrey in a social media video posted by both stars on Wednesday.
Both celebrities, who own homes on the Hawaiian island, were inspired to coordinate this impactful initiative. Winfrey, 69, shared that her motivation came from reading about Dolly Parton's philanthropic endeavors during a 2016 wildfire in Tennessee. "I read this article that Dolly Parton had given money in her community. And I said, I think this is the answer," she said.
Johnson, 51, elaborated on the funding details, stating: "Every adult resident who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery."
Applications for the aid can be made through the People's Fund of Maui’s website, with both superstars encouraging additional public donations. According to Winfrey, additional contributions are guaranteed to "go to one of many residents who have been displaced in Maui."
Addressing the public's skepticism about charity organizations, Johnson emphasized: "I know a lot of people out there — as Oprah and I’ve been finding — are just having a hard time trusting where the money goes, what organizations should I send money to, how can I help?"
He added: "In this case, the fund that we created — with a lot of hard work from a lot of hardworking people who all care about these people of Maui — as Oprah was saying, it is a clean, direct from you, directly to their hands, and right away, with some real immediacy."
"With disasters like this, the number one need is money in-hand," Johnson underlined, a sentiment echoed by Winfrey who said: "People being able to have their own agency, being able to make decisions for themselves about what they need and what their family needs: That’s our goal is to get that to the people now."
In a time when humanity needs it most, Oprah and The Rock are setting a glowing example of generosity and direct action.
To be a part of this compassionate mission, head over to the People's Fund of Maui's website to contribute.
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