Amazon, Walmart and other employers pledge millions to support wildfire victims

As the LA wildfires continue to displace tens of thousands of people, employers are pledging their support through donations to various charities and fire relief organizations. 

Employers including Amazon, Walmart, Airbnb and Meta are pledging millions of dollars to help in relief efforts, partnering with the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and other organizations committed to supporting the LA community. 

"Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by these devastating wildfires," said Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger, in a statement. "At Kroger, we are committed to doing our part to support recovery efforts and help rebuild lives during these challenging times." 

Read more: How to help employees impacted by the LA fires

For employees impacted by fires, immediate financial assistance is important, but it will be on employers to ensure their employees are supported in the long-term, too. Providing mental health resources through an employee assistance program, and creating opportunities for other employees to lend a hand can provide a sense of community for anyone dealing with the trauma of these events, says David Ko, CEO of mental health platform Calm. 

"Employers can help by offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and recognizing the unique challenges their teams may be facing," Ko says. "Employers should ensure their EAPs are equipped to address immediate needs, like access to counseling or stress management tools, and that these benefits are easy to locate and activate." 

Read more: As employees navigate disasters, mental health support is critical 

While big corporations like Disney and Verizon may have more financial resources to offer, Ko stresses the importance of small efforts that can have an impact, too. 

"During challenging times, people often feel a natural desire to help," Ko says. "Employers can channel this by creating opportunities for employees to support their teammates or the broader community through initiatives like volunteer programs or donation drives."

See how employers are reacting to the LA fires: 

Amazon

Amazon has pledged to donate $10 million to disaster response groups in the LA area, including the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. 

Skechers

The shoe brand has pledged to donate $1 million to relief efforts in the area. The company is based in LA. 

Verizon

Customers impacted by fires will have their service fees waived. The company has also pledged $500,000 to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation. 

Walmart

Walmart has pledged $2.5 million in food, water and other essentials to those impacted by the fire. 

Read more: Walmart's director of benefits brings financial wellness to 1.6 million employees 

Disney

Disney will donate $15 million to individuals impacted by the fires, in addition to resources specifically earmarked for employees of the company. 

Paramount

Paramount has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross, the LAFD and other relief organizations. 

Airbnb

Airbnb is offering free temporary housing to individuals displaced by the fires and has already received thousands of applications. 

Read more: Airbnb for work: Could providing employees with flexible housing be the next big benefit? 

Kroger

The grocery chain pledged $1 million to local organizations involved in relief efforts. 

Meta

Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, pledged to personally donate to relief efforts, and announced Meta will be pledging funds to those impacted. 

Starbucks

Starbucks will give catastrophe pay to workers affected by the fires. If a store is open but an employee cannot work due to displacement, they will be paid for missed shifts.