Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger has committed $1 million to help communities devastated by recent wildfires in Los Angeles, pledging support to three key relief organizations amid a crisis that has claimed at least 27 lives.
The former California governor announced his substantial contribution on social media, dividing the donation equally among the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, and Los Angeles Habitat for Humanity. In a personal statement, Schwarzenegger emphasized his direct approach, saying, “I don’t like when companies or rich people ask their fans to make their donations for them.”
As part of his relief initiative, Schwarzenegger also launched an “LA Strong” t-shirt modeled after Venice boardwalk merchandise, with 100% of proceeds going to the same charitable organizations.
But I know you want to help. So I had my team design a shirt. 100% of the profits will go to those organizations. The shirt might look familiar – it’s based on an LA classic they sell to tourists on the Venice boardwalk, except I can use my image: https://t.co/RcIBqbkOnP
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 21, 2025
The current wildfire season has caused unprecedented destruction, destroying more than 15,000 structures and forcing massive evacuations. The Hughes Fire in Santa Clarita has burned 9,435 acres, compelling over 31,000 residents to evacuate, with an additional 25,000 under evacuation warnings.
Schwarzenegger is not alone in supporting affected communities. Other entertainment industry leaders have also stepped up. DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife Marilyn donated $5 million to the Motion Picture & Television Foundation. Major studios including Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery have made significant financial commitments.
Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, and The Weeknd have joined the growing list of supporters providing financial assistance to wildfire-impacted areas.
As firefighters continue battling the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires, these donations provide critical support to communities facing extraordinary challenges.