Rebuilding Together: Industry Support for Southern California Wildfire Relief

fighting fires

The devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles have left communities grappling with destruction and displacement. During crises like these, internet service providers (ISPs) and television companies help with relief efforts—providing resources, connectivity, and financial aid to assist recovery.

Here’s how leading companies are stepping up to support wildfire relief in Southern California:

Disney: A $15 million commitment to relief and rebuilding

The Walt Disney Company has pledged $15 million to support initial response and rebuilding efforts.

  • Money is being directed to the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
  • Beyond immediate relief, Disney plans to work with the local business community to aid in long-term rebuilding efforts.
  • Employee support: Disney is also ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees by allocating additional resources to its Employee Relief Fund, offering support to those directly impacted.

Charter Spectrum: Keeping communities connected and informed

Charter Spectrum has launched several initiatives to support Southern California communities during this crisis:

  • Free Wi-Fi Access: Over 35,000 out-of-home Wi-Fi access points have been opened to ensure affected residents stay connected.
  • Expanded News Coverage: Spectrum News 1 SoCal is offering unrestricted access to its coverage of wildfire updates, providing critical information on fire progression and evacuation alerts.
  • Financial Support: The company has pledged $2.5 million for wildfire relief, including $500,000 in cash contributions to organizations like the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. Another $1 million is being directed toward supporting small businesses through the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund.
  • Support for Organizations: Charter is providing free 1 Gig service to relief organizations and waiving charges for equipment damaged during the fires.

Comcast NBCUniversal: $10 million toward recovery

Comcast NBCUniversal is contributing $10 million to wildfire disaster relief.

  • Funds being distributed include $2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity’s ReBUILD LA initiative and to several organizations providing immediate assistance, such as the Entertainment Industry Foundation SoCal Fire Fund and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
  • Employee support: The company has activated its Employee Disaster Assistance Fund, offering grants and matching donations. Temporary housing and welfare benefits have also been extended to team members directly impacted by the fires.

Paramount: Donating to local organizations and employee assistance

Paramount is offering financial aid and resources to support communities and employees impacted by the wildfires.

  • Paramount has committed $1 million to support on-the-ground relief efforts, partnering with groups like the California Fire Foundation, Direct Relief, and the World Central Kitchen.
  • The company is also offering matching donations for its Employee Assistance Fund and providing resources for affected employees.