How We’re Helping Those Affected by the California Fires

Massive wildfires are ripping through parts of California, destroying hundreds of homes, buildings and structures, taking lives, and forcing thousands of people from their homes. The Camp Fire in Northern California is the most destructive and deadly in the state’s history.

Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by these devastating wildfires. We are heartbroken for everybody who has lost so much from the wildfires devastating our state.

On Monday, we asked our Hub what we were doing in response to the fires. While it could be easy to come up with reasons NOT to do something — whether it was our robust slate of projects for the year, or it was too short notice to mobilize, or other communities were already stepping up — we couldn’t be bystanders of watching our neighbors lose so much without trying.

We wanted to do our part in helping these families because it’s who we are.

Here is what we as the San Francisco Global Shapers are doing to help:

According to the Center for International Disaster Information, sending money is almost always the most efficient way to help in a disaster. That said, it’s important to do your research on a charity’s reputation for using donations effectively.

That’s why, along with the other Global Shapers in California, we’re mobilizing our efforts to raise $15,000 to support the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: http://bit.ly/shapersfirerelief

For 15 years, the foundation has offered aid to those affected by wildfires. Grants have gone to rebuilding homes, providing financial, medical, and mental health assistance and helping those affected to get medical treatment.

If you’re wondering how to help, join us.

Please donate here: http://bit.ly/shapersfirerelief

If you’re unable to donate at this time, please share this with your networks. We’ve included a few templates to make it easy to copy/paste.

Shareable Graphic

Sample Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn Post

Today I’m asking for my friends and community to come together to provide support for the thousands of people affected by the #CaliforniaWildfires. Over 9,000 structures have been destroyed, 50 lives have been lost (many still missing) and the fires are only 40% contained. The health and economic impacts will be lasting. @Calfund’s #WildfireReliefFund has been helping support wildfire victims for over 15 years. Join me and the @GlobalShapers in California to help them make an impact by donating today. #CaliforniaStrong #CaliforniaFires http://bit.ly/shapersfirerelief

Sample Tweets

(click to tweet) The #CaliforniaWildfires are well on their way to burning over 300,000 acres of land and impacting thousands of evacuees. Join me and @GlobalShapers in #California in contributing to @CalFund‘s #WildfireReliefFund #CaliforniaStrong #CaliforniaFires http://bit.ly/shapersfirerelief

(click to tweet) The #CampFire alone has burned over 7,600 hundred homes. That fire is only 40% contained. Our community needs your help. Join our fundraising effort with @GlobalShapers in #California by contributing to the @CalFund #WildfireReliefFund #CaliforniaStrong http://bit.ly/shapersfirerelief