CSG Associates Rally for Southern California Wildfire Recovery, Relief
By Samantha McKenzie, CSG Development Fellow
Devastating wildfires broke out in Southern California earlier this year, with the two largest occurring in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Strong winds and dry conditions accelerated the fires’ spread. While officials reported that the fires were mostly contained by late January, fire risks remained elevated in the following weeks.
CSG Associates Program members, including AARP, Amazon, American Honda Motor Co., Amgen, Esri, JPMorganChase, PhRMA and Wells Fargo stepped in to support affected communities. Their efforts included assisting with evacuations, contributing to firefighting efforts and providing aid through monetary donations, supplies, technology and logistical support.
AARP
AARP announced on Jan. 17 that its foundation created a relief fund and would match contributions, up to $500,000, to support local organizations aiding Los Angeles’ wildfire recovery efforts. In just over 24 hours, the $500,000 goal was met. The total amount raised, including the dollar-for-dollar match, was more than $1 million. AARP also announced on Jan. 27 that the proceeds from its annual Movies for Grownups Awards, held in California, would be donated to local organizations as well.
All proceeds for organizations on the ground were targeted to meet the more urgent needs of the people impacted while also supporting long-term recovery. The AARP California office, located in Pasadena, created a webpage dedicated to resources for those affected and is launching a campaign for fraud prevention.
For more information, please visit: aarp.org/CA.
“The wildfires are a stark and heartbreaking reminder of who is most vulnerable during natural disasters. Older adults and people with disabilities account for nearly all of those who have lost their lives so far. We are committed to supporting recovery efforts in these communities so they can emerge stronger and more resilient for everyone.”
Amazon
Amazon donated more than 500,000 essential items to first responders and fire victims in January. Just months before the fires, the company had launched its first wildfire disaster relief hub, providing critical supplies that are often difficult to obtain during crises. This support enabled first responders to act more quickly and sustain their efforts longer.
Amazon leveraged its logistical expertise to deliver firefighting equipment and essential supplies to affected victims and families. Collaborating with dozens of organizations in California, the company assembled and distributed items such as N95 masks, air purifiers, clothing and solar lights. Amazon Fresh was also utilized, delivering more than 350 pallets of items, including shelf-stable food, safe water, hygiene products and baby products to distribution centers and local fire stations.
Amazon not only assisted in the delivery and acquisition of products, but it also leveraged Amazon Web Services (AWS) to support disaster relief efforts through technology. AWS partnered with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center to establish temporary communication infrastructure, enabling internet and phone connectivity in affected areas. AWS technology was used to monitor evolving fire conditions, detect potential risks to airborne firefighting operations, and support the deployment of vehicles designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
For more information, please visit: aboutamazon.com/news/community/los-angeles-wildfires-california-amazon-disaster-relief.
American Honda Motor Co.
Honda announced a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross’ disaster relief funds on Jan. 10. Days later, it doubled the amount to $1 million.
“Honda recognizes the increased need for support and is dedicated to helping the communities impacted by the wildfires in the city Honda first called home in America 65 years ago,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of corporate affairs at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Our $1 million donation directly addresses the urgent needs of the affected communities, and we are steadfast in our efforts to support their recovery and rebuilding.”
Honda gave its associates a chance to join the relief effort through a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 per associate contribution. Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services supported customers by offering payment extensions and lease deferrals to those impacted by the fires.
For more information, please visit: hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/release-f429eb56651d9be3f0acece2b304054c-honda-doubles-california-fire-relief-donation-committing-1-million-to-american-red-cross.
Amgen
Amgen announced a $10 million commitment to support those impacted by the wildfires on Jan. 13. Funds were distributed to the California Community Foundation, Direct Relief and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The Amgen Foundation also announced that it would match employee donations toward disaster relief.
“Southern California has been Amgen’s home for more than four decades and we are standing tall to support our community through this difficult time,” said Robert A. Bradway, Amgen chairman and chief executive officer.
Amgen committed to ensuring their employees in and around the impacted areas were safe and that resources were mobilized to those in need.
For more information, please visit: amgen.com/stories/2025/01/amgen-and-the-amgen-foundation-commit-10-million-dollars-to-support-southern-california-communities-impacted-by-wildfires.
Esri
Esri’s GIS technology was utilized to gather real-time data on the fires, which was then published as informational maps and dashboards. Through the Esri Disaster Response Program (DRP), Esri assisted local communities and federal, state and local agencies by ensuring their maps and data were accessible for coordinating and distributing critical information to the public. This collaboration with Esri and government partners enabled the delivery of real-time updates to affected individuals and nearby communities. The information included evacuation routes, tips for smoke protection and guidance on preventing new fires.
For more information, please visit: esri.com/disaster.
JPMorganChase
We are inspired by the resilience of everyone involved in the Southern California wildfire relief efforts and deeply proud of our team for supporting each other and meeting our clients' urgent needs,” said Rick Barragan, managing director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank & JPMorganChase Market Leadership Team Chair for Los Angeles. “As the situation evolves, we remain committed to rebuilding and fostering long-term growth in Los Angeles County.
JPMorganChase provided $2 million to support the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, while it continued matching employee donations to select organizations. The firm also organized volunteer opportunities for employees across Los Angeles to contribute their time and skills to wildfire recovery efforts.
In addition to allocating funds to larger nonprofit assistance groups, JPMorganChase contributed $500,000 to the California Community Foundation’s ongoing relief efforts through its sponsorship of the FireAid concert on Jan. 30. On an individual level, the firm offered assistance to those affected, including refunding various fees and providing
mortgage support as part of the company’s standard practice for helping customers in crisis. As an institution deeply rooted in the Los Angeles community, with multiple business locations in the area, the firm provided assistance to its employees who have suffered direct losses.
For more information, please visit: jpmorganchase.com/communities/community-relief/our-support-for-los-angeles-county.
PhRMA
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and its member companies contributed more than $10.5 million in donations and grants to Southern California wildfire relief efforts. Biopharmaceutical companies are uniquely positioned to provide medication, hygiene kits and protective equipment for evacuees, first responders and impacted communities. Immediate relief also provided meals to evacuees and first responders, while veterinary care and pet product donations aided animals.
For long-term relief, mental health services are available to assist health care workers, and disaster readiness efforts are being made to improve rapid wildfire response. Organizations receiving donations and grants include the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, Heart to Heart International, Americares, California Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and World Central Kitchen.
For information about the biopharmaceutical industry’s work to develop innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world, please visit: phrma.org.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo donated $2 million to the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. The company continuously provided support to the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program as well as Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund. Wells Fargo also added an option within its mobile app, allowing customers to donate directly to the American Red Cross.
“Our priority is supporting employees and customers who have been affected by this tragic situation,” said Jason Rosenberg, Wells Fargo’s head of public affairs. “We will stand with the Los Angeles community for as long as it takes and keep looking for ways to contribute to the recovery from this disaster. We have a long, shared history with the city and hope our efforts can help bring some critical relief.”
Affected employees can access the We Care Fund, which provides support for colleagues facing unexpected financial hardships and is funded by employee donations nationwide. They also have access to the Wells Fargo Employee Assistance Program, offering 24/7 free, confidential emotional counseling and other resources. Additionally, affected customers and clients may be eligible for various assistance options.
For more information, please visit: stories.wf.com/la-wildfires-support.
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