Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have jointly contributed $10 million to establish the People’s Fund of Maui, a compassionate initiative aimed at providing direct financial assistance to Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires that ravaged the island.
This philanthropic effort will extend $1,200 monthly payments to adult individuals whose homes were either destroyed or rendered uninhabitable due to the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula this month.
The assistance program extends its support to both homeowners and renters but excludes property owners who do not reside in their owned homes.
The People’s Fund of Maui stands as a reflection to the commitment of these two influential figures in offering tangible support to those most affected by the crisis.
Dwayne Johnson, renowned as “The Rock” from his wrestling days and partly of Polynesian descent, spent part of his childhood in Hawaii. He expressed his dedication to channeling financial resources directly into the hands of the wildfire victims.
Oprah Winfrey, a beloved media personality, emphasized the fund’s mission to empower individuals and families to make decisions about their own needs.
Oprah further assured the public that all donations made to the fund would be allocated directly to assist the wildfire victims. This will ensure transparency and efficiency in delivering aid.
Oprah and Dwayne’s Contribution: The People’s Fund of Maui
The People’s Fund of Maui complements other non-governmental efforts to support wildfire survivors. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offered initial assistance payments of $700 for essentials like food and water, residents of West Maui have stressed the need for more immediate help, with community volunteer networks often outpacing federal and local agencies.
For many Native Hawaiians and long-time residents, the prospect of rebuilding their lives on an already housing-scarce island is daunting. The wildfires resulted in the destruction of over 2,000 structures and the displacement of thousands of individuals into emergency shelters.
Some essential workers vital to Maui’s thriving tourism industry have found themselves priced out of housing, partially due to the influence of wealthy mainland buyers, including notable figures like Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos, and Oprah Winfrey herself. Oprah, a part-time Maui resident for over 15 years, recently acquired 870 acres of land in Kula for approximately $6.6 million, as the local news outlet Maui reported.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson made a concerted effort to create the People’s Fund of Maui in close collaboration with community residents and leaders. Notable figures like the Lahaina-born singer Kealiʻi Reichel and Hōkūlani Holt, a respected community leader and hula teacher, have played integral roles in shaping and guiding this vital support initiative.