Beyoncé has pledged $2.5 million to helping those impacted by the ongoing wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area, she announced Sunday via the Instagram page for her charitable foundation, BeyGOOD.
“Los Angeles we stand with you,” the caption on the post began, before announcing the creation of the organization’s own LA Fire Relief Fund, starting with the singer’s contribution. “The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.”
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As of Monday morning, at least 24 deaths have been confirmed as a result of the fires, and 12,000 structures destroyed as the blazes rage on. Los Angeles has issued its most severe fire warnings as strong winds continue to buffet the area, increasing the likelihood of the fires spreading further.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, is among those in the area who have seen their homes destroyed in the fires. On Friday, she posted a video to her Instagram account revealing that her “tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu” had been impacted.
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“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place,” she wrote. “Now it is gone !! God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions . We Thankyou for your dedication and bravery and for saving so many lives . This could have been so much worse with out the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders.”
Beyoncé founded BeyGOOD in 2013. Her contribution to disaster relief is the latest in the myriad ways people are finding to help those in California, including funds and drives the public can contribute to, a partial list of which Vanity Fair has gathered.
Representatives for Beyoncé did not immediately respond to Vanity Fair’s request for comment.
