SANTA ROSA, Calif.–A disaster relief effort spearheaded here by Redwood Credit Union, a state senator and a local publication has now raised more than $18 million, with donations coming from more than 25,000 donors.
The North Bay Fire Relief Fund was created to provide support to individuals who lost jobs and wages in the region’s wildfires. State Sen. Mike McGuire and The Press Democrat have joined with Redwood CU in the fundraising effort. An anonymous donor from New York sent a $1-million check just this past week, according to The Press Democrat.
Thousands of people in Northern California have lost their homes and businesses to wildfires, while people who work at hotels, restaurants and wineries and other places have lost their jobs.
To date, $11 million has been allocated for wildfire victims, and more than 3,000 people in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties have received funds, according to organizers. The aid recipients include at least 80 first responders who lost their homes, the Press Democrat said.
“We’re working to equitably spread the funds across the four counties,” said Matt Martin, the Redwood Credit Union’s community and government relations vice president.
The Press Democrat further reported that over the past few weeks, fund officials have been working with nonprofits such as the United Way of the Wine Country to distribute $1,000 checks to about 1,500 people who lost their homes, regardless if they owned or rented. They also worked with Redwood Empire Food Bank and Community Action of Napa Valley to provide those families with food.
“Now, they’re hearing from families who didn’t lose homes but are struggling to put food on their tables or cover their rent or mortgage after losing jobs or work hours,” the publication reported.
The National Credit Union Foundation, through its CUAid.coop fund, has also been collecting money for victims, in addition to helping those who were hit by hurricanes earlier this year.