As the world reels in shock at the decimation of Los Angeles by the ongoing wildfires, many folks feel like they could be doing more to help, but aren’t sure where to donate for maximum impact.
With a current total of 24 confirmed fatalities and almost 10,000 hectares of land destroyed, the fires are now the most destructive in LA’s history.
To make matters worse, experts warn that further devastation could be over the horizon, as the wind gusts that caused the wildfires are expected to spread the blaze.
Every day new testimonies come forward from locals sharing the traumatic loss they’ve had at the hands of the natural disaster, with almost all of them ending with calls for more aid from anyone who can spare it.
While not everyone can just pick up a hose, making a donation to the organisations trying to help the more than 130,000 people displaced by the fires is a great way to get involved.
However, because scammers often use tragedies like this as an opportunity to profit off people’s goodwill, it’s important to know who you are donating to before opening your wallet.
So here’s which charities Aussies can make donations to for LA wildfire relief.
Where can Aussies donate to charities for the LA wildfires?
American Red Cross
More than 200 members of the American Red Cross (ARC) foundation are currently working in California to help the thousands of LA locals flee from the massive wildfires.
The renowned charity organisation is helping to provide shelter, food, and emotional support to those in need, and stated in an online post that financial donations are the best way to assist them in this goal.
“While we appreciate the thoughtfulness behind donating physical items like clothing, sorting and distributing these takes time and resources away from providing immediate assistance,” read a post on the ARC’s Instagram.
“Financial donations help us provide food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, health services, spiritual care and financial assistance, as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses and people who make that help possible.”
California Fire Foundation
As thousands of firefighters battle the multiple wildfires across the city, donations to the official California Fire Foundation assist those on the frontline.
Our team is on the ground, partnering with local fire agencies and community organizations to provide critical support to families and communities in need. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, please consider donating to help support these efforts.❤️
— CA Fire Foundation (@CAFireFound) January 9, 2025
To donate:… pic.twitter.com/QUPQlgkJhx
All proceeds to the California Fire Foundation help to commemorate firefighters who die in the line of action and their families, as well as provide fire safety resources to communities in need.
GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund
As well as setting up a page to directly donate to a 2025 wildfire relief fund, GoFundMe has created a hub page for all the individual fundraisers set up by impacted LA locals.
To ensure that money goes to the people who really need it right now, GoFundMe’s team is verifying official fundraisers for people affected by the LA wildfires, with more than 800 different fundraisers set up.
Additionally, GoFundMe’s general Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 has currently raised over $2 million USD and received more than 21K donations.
LA Regional Food Bank
The LA Regional Food Bank is a non-profit that helps by providing food, shelter, and clothing to those impacted by the fires.
It accepts volunteers and food donations at its two distribution centres, but for those who don’t live in the area there is an online portal to make one-off financial donations.
In times of crisis, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is committed to providing vital food assistance to those affected by disasters like fires and earthquakes.
— LA Regional Food Bank (@LAFoodBank) January 11, 2025
Your support is essential. By donating or volunteering, you can help ensure that our community has the resources it… pic.twitter.com/C2SaklVCv8
“Going back to ‘normal’ will look different for each individual. Some individuals will have to rebuild their homes and communities, while others may have lost their jobs due to businesses destroyed by the fires,” read a statement from the organisation.
“For these and other scenarios, the Food Bank offers food and nutrition security to individuals and families in need.”
World Central Kitchen
Founded by chef José Andrés, the World Central Kitchen responds to humanitarian, climate, and community crises by providing meals to everyone on the frontline.
By working with food trucks and local restaurants, the non-profit organisation has kept thousands of firefighters fed throughout the entire last week of the LA wildfires.
Lead Image: Getty
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