YouTube and Google Commit $15 Million to Aid L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts

YouTube and Google, together with Google.org, are contributing $15 million toward relief efforts aiding those impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The contribution will go to organizations including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Recovery.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan made the announcement in a blog post on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

“Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over

the world. It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners and our employees call

home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to

do our part to support the community as it rebuilds,” Mohan wrote.

He also outlined other efforts Google is making to help aid relief efforts.

“Together with Google.org, YouTube and Google are contributing $15 million to organizations

providing immediate relief in LA, including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red

Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. And Google is providing accurate and timely

information to LA through products and services like Google Search, Google Maps and Waze.

“When it’s safe to reopen our offices in LA, we plan to offer YouTube production facilities to

impacted creators and artists as they begin to recover and rebuild their businesses. In the

coming months, we’ll also host a number of events to bring the YouTube creative community

together – making space to connect and share resources.

Mohan ended the blog post by saying, “On the long road ahead, we’ll continue to support recovery and rebuilding efforts alongside our partners across the industry. In moments like these, we see the power of communities coming together to support each other – and the strength and resilience of the YouTube community is like no other.”

Google and YouTube join numerous other organizations that are helping those who lives, homes and businesses have been impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The announcement follows recent announcements from companies including Amazon, which committed $10 million to relief efforts. Sony Group Corporation previously announced it would donate $5 million to wildfire relief efforts, while the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund pledged $1 million.

The wildfires began Jan. 7 in the Pacific Palisades area just outside of Los Angeles, and swiftly spread to areas including Runyon Canyon and Altadena. The wildfires have swept through at least 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area and killed at least 25 people, according to NBC News. The Los Angeles area is still on high alert as of Wednesday, Jan. 15.