On January 7th, a multitude of wildfires spread among the Los Angeles area wreaking havoc.

At least twenty nine people tragically died either due to the fires themselves, or in attempts to put them out. Thousands more lost their homes, their belongings, and their pets.

In an instant, multitude of families were left homeless. They're left scrambling in an attempt to get a hotel room so their children have a bed to sleep on.

Neighborhoods are left destitute, and communities are left traumatized.

An uncountable amount of people will have to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Some with young children and elderly parents depending on them.

It is an unthinkable tragedy, one that most of us couldn't fathom happening. Yet, it is a nightmare many find themselves unable to wake up from.

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Performative Activism

In recent years, the topic of performative activism has been discussed at length.

This is when a celebrity or influencer participates in activism for the sake of enhancing their reputation or "social capital" in the eyes of society. Yet, there is no real care for the topic at hand.

From my perspective, it is a phenomenon that's been prevalent quite a while, even before social media. Yet, it has never received such widespread criticism as during our present digital age.

Criticism long overdue.

I do not claim to speak for everyone, but I believe most of us are tired of it. We do not want celebrities who share a post that took thirty seconds to think up so they can check off a box, but there is no true care for the issue at hand.

If celebrity is going to speak on these issues, we want to see action. We want to see them organize, start a fundraiser, and do this out of the sincerity of their heart.

Well, of course, there has been and always will be informative activism in times of tragedy. Sadly, this includes this one. But, there have been celebrities who have shown genuine concern for those affected by the L.A. fires. These celebrities are actually putting their money where their mouth is, and are donating their own funds to help victims of this crisis.

I find it imperative to highlight some of them today.

Take the Quiz: What Candle Scent Matches Your Overall Aesthetic?

Halloween is just around the corner. It's time to light that candle. Take this quiz and find out what candle scent suits you best.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo from user Georges Biard on Wikimedia Commons

Gwyneth Paltrow has been an actress since the early 1990s. Some of her notable movies are The Avengers, Shallow Hal, Iron Man 3, and a plethora of others! While Paltrow is primarily known for her acting career, she is also a successful businesswoman.

In 2008, she founded Goop. Goop started as simply a newsletter, but has managed to expand into selling skin/hair care, perfume, and makeup.

Paltrow pledged from Goop's Instagram to donate over $2 million in product to companies such as Altadena Girls, Baby2Baby, and local charities to give to victims affected by the wildfires.

Beyonce

Photo from user "PHShanghai" on Wikimedia Commons

It would be practically impossible to find someone who doesn't know who Beyonce is. The singer got her start with the 90's girl group Destiny's Child, but released her first solo album Dangerously in Love in 2003. With her striking voice, 35 Grammy awards, and her 200 million records she has sold worldwide, it's safe to say she is one of the most revered stars of this generation.

In 2013, Beyonce founded BeyGOOD. The non profit gives a helping hand to a variety of underfunded organizations and institutions so their communities are empowered to be their best. They provide scholarships, advocate for internships, and plenty more.

BeyGOOD announced a donation of $2.5 million to the L.A. Fire Relief Fund.

Eva Longoria

Photo from user "Pruneau" on Wikimedia Commons

Longoria is a jack of all trades. She is an actress, producer, author, director and entrepreneur. She is best known for her character Gabrielle Solis, on the show Desperate Housewives (2004-2012) as the scandalous, adulterous housewife of traveling CEO Carlos Solis.

In 2012, the star founded the Eva Longoria Foundation. The foundation is aimed at providing Latina individuals resources and education so they can build a fruitful future for themselves. Through this foundation, Longoria donated $1 million to the California Community Foundation, and the Latino Community Fund. She also pledged $50,000 to This Is About Humanity in order to support front-line workers and families.

Eagles

Photo from user "jeaneem" on Wikimedia Commons

The rock band Eagles have been in the business since 1971, yet 54 years later, they are still touring around the world to a devoted fan base. The six time Grammy winning band has had five number one singles, including the instantly recognizable Hotel California. The band has sold over 200 million records around the world, and still continues to attract fans.

Eagles donated $2.5 million to the January 30th FireAid benefit concert, which was held to raise funds for the families and communities affected by the wildfires.

The Weeknd

Photo from photographer Brian Ziff on Wikimedia Commons

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, who goes by the stage name The Weeknd rose to stardom quite quickly. He dove into the music realm with his 2011 mixtape House of Balloons which reached #113 on the Billboard 200. His official debut album Kiss Land which released merely two years later reached #2 on the charts in America and Canada!

His 2015 singles Can't Feel My Face and The Hills reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That year, only two years since the release of his debut album, he was already beginning a tour headlining arenas to thousands of fans.

Tesfaye, who has a admirable history of donating to charitable causes, gave $1 million to the L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund.

It is admirable to read about the celebrities whose hearts led them to donate to L.A. fire relief, but if you are able, there are several ways you can help as well!

How You Can Help

As the celebrities in which I discussed did, you can donate. Of course, it does not have to be a million dollar donation, most people cannot afford that! But, even a $10 donation to an organization dedicated to providing aid can go a long way. I will link some of these organizations below.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Disaster Relief Fund: https://shorturl.at/h2RRw

Project HOPE: https://shorturl.at/4mGQd

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812

Habitat for Humanity, Greater Los Angeles: https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/

Understandably, not everyone is able to help financially. Still there are other ways to help out. If you happen to in the area, or not a burdensome commute away, you can volunteer.

American Red Cross, for example, has openings for shelter volunteers. Local YMCA'S need help with organizing donations, and delivering to first responders. Homeless shelters need help preparing and serving food.

The L.A. Times graciously compiled a lengthy list of open volunteer positions and links to apply: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/list/volunteer-opportunities-los-angeles-fires

All in all, whether you cannot afford to donate or unable to volunteer, we should all make sure to those affected by the wildfires in our thoughts or prayers.