More than $100 million has been raised for LA fire victims through GoFundMe, aiding families and nonprofits in need of support.
Los Angeles: It’s been a tough time for many after the wildfires hit. Over $100 million has been raised on GoFundMe to help those affected. This platform is great because it checks all the campaigns to keep things legit.
The money is going straight to families, communities, and businesses that lost so much. Nonprofits like World Central Kitchen and the Salvation Army are also getting support to help out on the ground.
Since the fires started, more than 100,000 people have had to leave their homes. The wildfires, fueled by strong winds, destroyed over 10,000 properties and sadly led to 25 deaths, with 26 people still missing.
People have been sharing their stories on GoFundMe, and it’s really touching to see how the world is coming together to help. One couple, John and Monica Stuhlman, lost their home of 17 years in Altadena. Monica described the scene as “ground zero,” saying it looked like a bomb hit.
They tried to find their valuables, but everything was melted. Monica was heartbroken as she searched for her wedding ring and dress, which were lost in the fire. John also lost his Marine Corps uniform and other family heirlooms.
Meanwhile, Dale Short, a 91-year-old man, lost his home in Pasadena after living there for 60 years. He stood by the ruins, reflecting on all the memories he had there. His GoFundMe campaign has raised over $103,000, showing how much people care.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Some scammers tried to take advantage of the situation. A friend of a local artist, Erin Berkowitz, set up a GoFundMe for her after her home was destroyed. Unfortunately, a fake campaign popped up using her info, but it was taken down quickly.
GoFundMe is on top of things, saying they have a team to monitor campaigns and ensure everything is above board. They also have a Giving Guarantee to protect donors, which is reassuring.
To make it easier for people to help, GoFundMe started its own campaign to raise $5 million and created a hub for verified fundraisers related to the wildfires. It’s a tough time, but the support is truly heartwarming.
