Pacsun, Petco, Airbnb and other California-based brands provide support amid devastating fires
NOTE: If you are a Los Angeles area business that was impacted by the wildfires, or are helping to mobilize aid, we want to hear from you. Please email parija@bagable.comAs devastating wildfires persisted for a fifth day across the Los Angeles County area, several California-based companies behind popular consumer brands have stepped up to offer aid to those who’ve been impacted.
The fierce wildfires have forced more than 180,000 people from their homes and have also caused fatalities, according to news reports.
The widescale destruction of complete neighborhoods by the fires — entire blocks of homes, schools, main street shops — has left residents, families and communities in shock, displaced and completely bereft of their possessions.
Firefighters continue to battle multiple blazes, while businesses with roots in California offered assistance.
Popular teen retailer Pacsun, based in LA, said anyone who had to evacuate their home and is in need of clothing should send a direct message to its Instagram account.
“As a brand deeply rooted in California, we at Pacsun feel a profound responsibility to support our community during this incredibly challenging time. We initially stepped in to provide direct support, offering clothing to those who had to evacuate their homes,” Pacsun CEO, Brieane Olson, said in comment to Bagable.com.
“Due to overwhelming response from community members in need, we’ve reached out to our network of nonprofit partners to ensure a broader reach and sustainable assistance, which we will provide further updates on,” she said. “We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and everyone on the ground working tirelessly to help those in need. Pacsun remains dedicated to standing with our Los Angeles community and continuing to provide support in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”
Toymaker MGA Entertainment, whose best-selling brands include L.O.L. Surprise, Miniverse and Bratz dolls, signaled that the LA-based company is also ready to help.
Isaac Larian, CEO MGA Entertainment and long-time LA resident, wrote on Linkedin:
“The recent fires in LA have left many of us in shock. Having lived here for over 50 years, I've never witnessed such devastation…. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, beloved animals, and cherished belongings. In times like these, it's crucial to come together as a community to support one another. #MGACARES is prepared to assist anyone affected by this tragedy.”
NOTE: If you are a Los Angeles area business that was impacted by the wildfires, or are helping to mobilize aid, we want to hear from you. Please email parija@bagable.comSan Francisco-based Airbnb announced its non-profit organization Airbnb.org is providing free temporary housing for people displaced by the wildfires.
Gap Inc., also based in San Francisco, announced it was working with the city of Los Angeles to offer assistance and would will open its Gap Santa Monica store at 1931 Wilshire on Saturday from noon to 5 pm local time as a pickup location for free N95 masks, hygiene kits, water and other goods in partnership with Direct Relief.
”Our brands across Gap Inc. have also donated product that will be available through American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, Baby2Baby and Good+Foundation, and have made financial contributions to various disaster relief organizations like American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation,” Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson, wrote in a post on Linkedin.
Petco, based in San Diego, said its non-profit arm Petco Love, dedicated to animal welfare, is providing support to LA-area animal welfare partners.
“Our hearts go out to all of the people and pets affected by the treacherous wildfires and winds in the Los Angeles area,” the company said on Instagram. “Petco Love is contacting our animal welfare partners and will support their needs.”
Petco said people can visit petco.love/disaster to help pets and people affected by disasters and also search lost.petcolove.org for pets that have been lost or found.
LA-based fashion brand, Guess, said on Instagram that it is donating clothing and other assistance.
Iconic California footwear brand, Vans, said it is organizing donations as part of its immediate response to those in need.
NOTE: If you are a Los Angeles area business that was impacted by the wildfires, or are helping to mobilize aid, we want to hear from you. Please email parija@bagable.com