Last week The Walt Disney Company announced that it would be donating $15 million to the fire relief efforts after the horrific firestorm in the areas surrounding Los Angeles. Today, Comcast NBCUniversal announced that it too would be donating to the cause. The company announced that it will be donating $10 million to wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts.
Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of the Comcast Corporation said, “Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by these devastating fires, including many in our Comcast NBCUniversal family.”
Along with the donation, Comcast NBCUniversal is also providing emergency financial funds along with health and welfare benefits to employees who have been affected by the destruction of the wildfires. This includes access to temporary housing and hotels at discounted rates. The company is also providing grants to team members in need through the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Disaster Assistance Fund. On top of that, the company is making a special double match for employee donations made to the fund through the Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gift Program.
“We extend our deep appreciation to the first responders for their tireless and courageous efforts and to our news teams, including NBC4 and KVEA, who are providing vital coverage during this time. We stand ready to support our employees and the broader Los Angeles community as we recover and rebuild from these tragic events,” said Roberts.
With the fires raving the Los Angeles area for nearly a week, the destruction has been devastating. To date, 24 people have been confirmed killed. The three major fires associated with this firestorm have burnt over 34,000 acres. The Palisades Fire has burned over 23,713 acres and firefighters have only achieved 14% containment. The Eaton Fire has grown to 14,117 acres with containment at 33%. The Hurst File has reached 799 acres with 95% containment.
The end is currently still a ways off for firefighters, residents, and others who are impacted by the fires. Once the fires have been put out, the long road to recovery will begin. This will require a lot of support after the decimation that is currently happening.
