On Friday, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appeared at an evacuation center and food bank to show their support for survivors and responders to the devastating ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Pasadena Convention Center on January 10, where evacuees of the Eaton Fire are sheltering and receiving support. They were photographed serving food and speaking closely with locals and offering comfort, as well as to emergency workers who have been on the ground for the last week.
Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo, who spoke with Meghan, told reporters: “This is their second visit today. We were here earlier today and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on. They didn’t come out here for publicity. They came out here to work.”
He added: “Then we went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area. Then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors.”
The couple were also seen with chefs José Andrés of World Central Kitchen and Roy Choi, who were serving meals at the center. Andrés’s organization World Central Kitchen has been making and distributing free meals to evacuees and emergency personnel over the last few days. You can donate directly to World Central Kitchen’s efforts here.
According to CNN, Meghan and Harry donated money to efforts through their Archewell Foundation, as well as clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies. It’s understood that the couple have also opened up their Montecito, Santa Barbara home to friends and people close to them who have had to evacuate.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
A statement on their official website reads: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
The Duke and Duchess also directed people to support organizations including the World Central Kitchen, CAL FIRE, LA Fire Department Foundation, Animal Wellness Foundation, Compton Cowboys, and Baby2baby.
Jennifer Garner was among those volunteering at World Central Kitchen’s outpost in a closed Jack in the Box restaurant in Altadena on Saturday.
Other notable figures who live in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond have been donating and supporting relief efforts. Paris Hilton—who was among some of the first celebrities to lose their homes in the blazes—has started an emergency fund to support families displaced and impacted by the disaster. She launched the fund with a $100,000 personal donation, and will match donations up to $100,000. Halle Berry and Sharon Stone have turned a local boutique, +COOP, into a pop-up shop for people in need of clothes and other essentials.
At the time of reporting, 16 people have been confirmed dead by the disaster and more than 100,000 people are under evacuation orders.
Read more about how you can help—wherever you are in the world—here.
