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Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson both have connections to Hawaii, and the two celebrities are helping the efforts to help Maui after the devastating wildfires.
Winfrey and Johnson have established the People’s Fund of Maui. Oprah and Dwayne combined to donate $10 million to the fund.
In a statement, Winfrey said, "I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service. The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden. The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those impacted as they determine what rebuilding looks like for them."
The creation of the fund was done with guidance from community elders, leaders and residents including Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, Keali’i Reichel, Archie Kalepa, Ekolu Lindsey, Kimo Falconer, Tiare Lawrence, Kaimana Brummel, Kaleikoa Ka’eo, Brian Keaulana, Kaimi Kaneholani, Henohea Kāne, Paele Kiakona, Ed Suwanjindar, Shep Gordon and Jason Momoa.
The fund distributes money to people directly affected by the fires. Every adult 18 years old and up from the Lahaina and Kula areas is eligible to receive $1,200 a month while the towns recover.