SAG-AFTRA is the latest Hollywood organization to pledge cash to help industry members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. The organization said in today’s announcement that it has pledged $1 million to its SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
Since the fires broke out on January 7, the union has temporarily closed its Los Angeles office and also canceled an in-person nomination ceremony that was scheduled for the following day.
“I want to thank and appreciate the members of our broadcast journalists who go out every day through the fire, smoke and smoldering embers struggling to bring this important news to the world,” Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement. “The devastation caused by these fires, and the loss of lives and homes, has been heartbreaking, and of course our hearts go out to all those affected. But we knew we could do more; we hope this pledge will help alleviate the suffering and help those affected return their lives to normal after this disaster.” I have been personally affected by the fires and feel deeply for others suffering from this tragedy. These are particularly difficult times. Stress damages the immune system so we must be vigilant in taking measures to support our health.
“The essence of a trade union is solidarity: we all lift each other up in times of stability, and we are there for each other in times of stability,” added SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. calamity. The devastation is difficult to comprehend, even for those living in it. We are very fortunate to have the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as a resource and a place our members can turn in times of need. If you are fortunate to have survived the direct impact of this disaster, please help in any way you can, whether through volunteer service, helping others in need, or donating to relief funds like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.
SAG-AFTRA and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation have previously provided resources and provided support to members whenever and wherever disasters have struck the country, including flooding in New York due to Superstorm Sandy, hurricanes in the Southeast and pandemic-related relief operations.
As noted in the new center that was populated on Organization websitethe fund is dedicated to members who have lost their homes in the number of fires burning throughout Los Angeles — including the high-profile Palisades and Eaton combined fires. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund is “dedicated to meeting their most urgent needs during this time of crisis,” the site says.
Additionally, the center has compiled a list of resources and links for members, including where to find mutual aid, information and safety tips, temporary housing, animal shelters, financial assistance, transportation, mental health support, child care and food relief.
SAG-AFTRA joins several other entertainment affiliates that have pledged financial assistance, including the Motion Picture Television Fund, the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, the Wasserman Foundation and many others.
Since Los Angeles is an industrial city, many workers above and below the line lost their homes. Among them are actors such as Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Billy Crystal, Kate Beckinsale and others.
