Some 1,000 people in the music community in Los Angeles are reported to be receiving support from MusiCares charity following the devastating wildfires in parts of the city.
Reports indicate that scores of people have been in touch with MusiCares, the not-for-profit arm of The Grammys and Recording Academy, since the organization launched its “Fire Relief Effort” on Wednesday, January 8.
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MusiCares is said to have supported affected music professionals with short-term financial relief, including $500 emergency food vouchers.
“What’s been shocking to me, going through the contact we’ve had, is just the number of people who have lost everything…
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“It’s almost impossible to describe the magnitude of the catastrophe and the loss in Los Angeles. We had no way of imagining it was going to be at the level it is now. Even what we saw Wednesday morning was horrifying,” Theresa Wolters, Vice President for Health and Human Services at MusiCares, told an outlet.
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She acknowledged and sympathized with affected families, saying, “…How do they explain to their kids that everything’s gone? That’s been incredibly difficult…
“And when you work in music, what do you take with you? Do you grab as much of your equipment and instruments as you can? Or do you just hope it’s going to be there when you get back?”
Those affected by the fires include famous musicians and local community members such as producers, music tutors, and those who own record labels and studios.
Ms Wolters added: “We’re here for individuals at every different income level…So if you’re an artist, singer, songwriter, but also if you are a tour bus driver or a makeup artist who works on tour…
“We have an enormous record of support, especially for people who are independent in the industry and may not have some of the backing of more established labels behind them,” she said.
READ ALSO: Here Are All The Hollywood Stars Who Have Lost Their Homes To The Fires In L.A
MusiCares, established about 30 years ago, provides year-round support to music professionals in need. The organization describes itself as “a safety net for the music community in the United States” and has organized emergency support efforts during previous natural disasters in the US.
Early this week, Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation pledged $2.5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund, which is aimed at helping affected residents.
The donation, according to the organization, was for people in Altadena and Pasadena who have lost their homes. It also includes churches and community centers.
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“Los Angeles, we stand with you…BeyGOOD is taking action by announcing the LA Fire Relief Fund with a donation of 2.5 million dollars.
“The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires,” the foundation said in an Instagram post.
