USA – The Wonderful Company, a leading producer of citrus, pistachios, and other consumer products, has announced a USD 10 million commitment to aid fire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
This donation, which was revealed on January 15, will provide crucial support to first responders and broader recovery initiatives.
The company’s donation will prioritize real-time support for firefighters and police officers working in the area.
This includes funding to ensure their ongoing safety and well-being as they deal with the fires. In addition to the initial contributions, The Wonderful Company will match all fire-related donations made by its global workforce, which includes 10,000 employees.
These donations will be directed through the company’s employee-directed giving program or personal donations.
Lynda and Stewart Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company, expressed deep appreciation for the first responders: “We are profoundly grateful to all of the frontline firefighters and police officers who are working around the clock to protect our communities, even as many of their own families evacuate and homes are threatened,” they said.
“These heroes are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us, and The Wonderful Company will have their back.”
Initial financial commitments include $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and USD 500,000 to the Los Angeles Police Foundation. The rest of the funds will be allocated as relief efforts evolve.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed gratitude for the donation, saying, “This substantial contribution reflects their commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and is a morale boost for our officers who work tirelessly to protect the city we all love.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation president, Liz Lin, acknowledged the support, stating, “These urgently needed resources will improve dispatch capabilities, purchase additional specialty firefighting equipment, enhance our rapid response vehicles, and help make sure all our firefighters have the equipment they need, from hydration packs and fire shelters to PPE.”
In addition to financial support, The Wonderful Company has provided its products—including FIJI Water, Wonderful Pistachios, and Wonderful Halos—to fire stations, police precincts, and first responder staging areas.
These items help ensure that emergency workers have quick access to nutrition and hydration during the ongoing crisis.
The company also plans to assist many of its employees in Los Angeles who have been impacted by the fires, with some losing their homes or being displaced due to mandatory evacuations.
The fires have caused devastating damage to local farms, as crops were ruined by flames, smoke, and strong winds.
Zorthian Ranch in Altadena lost nearly all of its 40 acres of crops. Additionally, many farmers face economic challenges as their ability to sell produce has been disrupted.
Farmers markets in Los Angeles County have also seen fewer visitors due to the poor air quality, which has forced many to shut down temporarily.
The ongoing fires have further complicated matters for the agriculture community, as smoke from nearby wildfires continues to pose a threat not only to people and animals but also to crops.
Regions like Wine Country have already witnessed crops being ruined in the past due to similar conditions, and now Los Angeles area farmers are grappling with similar setbacks.
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