Oprah and Dwayne Johnson extend monthly $1,200 aid to survivors of Maui wildfires

Following the most devastating fires in recent memory to hit the island state of Maui, an outpouring of donations has flooded in to aid the thousands of affected residents. Now, Hollywood icons Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have joined forces to establish a dedicated relief fund that will provide $1,200 per month from their personal resources to those directly impacted by the fires.

Together, they have created “The People’s Fund of Maui,” armed with a substantial $10 million in aid generously contributed by the two celebrities. This fund is poised to ensure direct assistance reaches those in need.

In a press release, Ms. Winfrey expressed her commitment to the cause, saying, “I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service. The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden. The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those impacted as they determine what rebuilding looks like for them.”

Both Winfrey and Johnson consulted a range of Maui residents and community leaders to ensure efficient and targeted aid delivery, avoiding any unnecessary delays or bureaucracy.

“As people around the world watched the catastrophic loss and devastation caused by the Maui wildfires, they also witnessed the great spirit and resilience of our Polynesian culture and the tremendous strength of the people of Maui,” Mr. Johnson remarked in the same release.

Reports indicated that both state and federal government assistance lagged in the aftermath of the fires. However, numerous GoFundMe campaigns, private charities, and non-profit organizations managed to raise tens of millions of dollars to support the victims of the Upcountry and Lahaina fires.

For those interested in supporting the recovery and assistance efforts, Civil Beats Honolulu provides comprehensive information on how to contribute.