Paris Hilton has launched an appeal for victims of the California wildfires (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
has stepped up to aid families affected by the devastating launching a relief fund with
Recounting the horror of witnessing her Malibu home being on live television, the 43-year-old expressed her deep concern for those who have lost everything. “While I’ve lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much more – their homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability,” she said.
As a new , Hilton’s heart goes out to parents without a safe haven for their children, prompting her to initiate the emergency fund through her nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact. “As a mum, I can’t imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies so I’m launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced with young children.”
Hilton’s own residence fell victim to the Pacific Palisades blaze, which erupted on Tuesday and has since become the scorching Los Angeles, obliterating over 21,000 acres. Her fundraising efforts aim to provide immediate housing and financial aid to families, supply necessities to evacuation centres, and bolster local animal shelters in their time of need.
The media star is calling on others to join her charitable endeavour, telling the public: “I’m starting with a personal contribution of 100,000 dollars, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to 100,000 dollars more. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part.”
Just a day after Hilton revisited the site of her home, which was reduced to ashes, she described it as a place where she “created the most beautiful memories” with her son Phoenix, daughter London and husband Carter Reum. “The heartbreak is truly indescribable,” she added on .
Thousands of firefighters have been tirelessly working to control the wind-fuelled fires in California, which have claimed at least 11 lives, devastated communities, and forced thousands to flee their homes in panic. US actress Jennifer Garner was among the celebrities volunteering in the aftermath of the fire, providing food aid for evacuees and first responders, working alongside World Central Kitchen founder chef Jose Andres at one of the charity’s many pop-up locations around California.
Standing amidst the ruins of her hometown of 25 years, an emotional Garner told US outlet MSNBC: “I did lose a friend, and for our church it’s really tender, so I don’t feel like I should talk about her yet. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time. My heart bleeds for my friends. There are 5000 homes lost, I can write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes. I feel almost guilty walking through my house, what can I do, how can I help, what can I offer?”
Kris Jenner said her family contacted their favourite Armenian restaurant to “feed a few fire houses” (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Meanwhile, numerous stars utilised their platforms to share links to useful evacuation resources and donation pages, as well as highlighting the work of firefighters and aid organisations.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly donated supplies to those affected by the recent weather event, while also encouraging others to open their homes. On their official website, Harry and Meghan stated: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.”
Oscar-nominated actress Sharon Stone urged fellow celebrities to donate to a distribution centre, prompting Oscar-winner Halle Berry to clear out “my entire closet” to “help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics”.
Oscar-nominee Michelle Pfeiffer and Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause revealed their plans to drop off items in response to Berry’s post, while Jason Oppenheim from Selling Sunset offered free representation to help people find homes. Following the Kenneth fire which led to members of the Kardashian family evacuating their Calabasas and Hidden Hills homes, matriarch Kris Jenner said her family contacted their favourite Armenian restaurant to “feed a few fire houses”.
Kim Kardashian has donated to the fire department in the wake of the devastating inferno (Image: Getty)
“They whipped up hundreds of individual meals for so many firefighters, volunteers, first responders, and we could not be more thankful. Thank you for putting your lives on the line for all of us,” she posted on her story.
Kim Kardashian, the daughter of Kris Jenner, has also made a generous donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which provides essential resources to the brave first responders protecting our city. In addition, she has made a significant contribution of underwear, clothing, and socks to Baby2Baby to assist those displaced by the fires.
The fires have caused chaos in ‘s awards season, leading to the rescheduling of events such as the Critics Choice Awards and the Oscar nominations.