Our hearts remain with all those affected by the California wildfires, and we are grateful to the generous donors who have joined us in supporting the LA Fire Department Foundation.
More than 217,000 of our travelers live in the area impacted by wildfires raging in southern California. It has been heartbreaking to consider the impact to so many people’s lives, the loss of homes, and the scarring of the landscape.
On Sunday, January 19, Grand Circle Foundation sent an appeal to our supporters and donors, inviting them to join us in supporting the LA Fire Department Foundation with much-needed equipment for firefighters. The cause is close to the Lewis family’s heart: Foundation Chair Harriet Lewis’s son-in-law, Mike, is a Boston Firefighter, Ladder 17. Saving lives and property is a grueling fight, and on every call, adequate equipment is essential.
Jan Byrnes, Vice President of Grand Circle Foundation, personally reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a nonprofit 501 c3 that raises funds to get equipment and training for firefighters. Located in the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department, they are the closest to the situation and know best. David, a volunteer, told Jan they need the following right now: emergency fire shelters, hydration kits, and brush clearing tools (read more about these needs below).
As of this writing, Grand Circle Foundation has raised more than $31,000, and we continue to receive donations. All donations up to $100,000 received by January 31 will be matched by Grand Circle Foundation. Donations are tax deductible, and 100% will go directly to support the LA firefighters’ needs.
About the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation
Located in the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the LAFD Foundation provides funding for much-needed equipment that municipal budgets do not cover. Only about 3% of the city’s fire budget is expected to cover repair and replacement costs for everything from flashlights to fire engines.
As the Fire Department’s official non-profit arm, the LAFD Foundation focuses its fundraising efforts on projects that:
- Improve firefighter health, safety, and wellness
- Affect firefighters’ ability to perform their life-saving duty
- Expand the resources relied upon to protect lives, homes, and the environment
The Foundation works closely with Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, her leadership team, and various LAFD specialty units to determine immediate funding needs and ongoing support opportunities.
Below is more information about the current priorities requiring funding:
Emergency Fire Shelters: These personal fire shelters are deployed when the unthinkable happens and firefighters become overrun by flames. These light, compact shelters are designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat, and trap breathable air within.
Hydration Backpacks: Firefighters can be on the front lines of a wildfire for up to 12 hours. These unique backpacks carry three quarts of water and are vital to keeping firefighters healthy on the fire line.
Wildland Brush Tools: Clearing fire roads and creating natural barriers to slow the spread of fire is a necessary but labor-intensive and exhausting process. These light and durable hand tools are specially designed to help ground crews cut through tree limbs, clear brush overgrowth, and remove potential fuel sources.
We thank all our generous travelers and donors for joining us in this urgent cause. And to all those impacted by the fires, we wish you safety and strength.
If you’d like to donate to the LAFD Foundation, you are welcome to do so here. You can learn more about the work of Grand Circle Foundation at www.grandcirclefoundation.org.
