Metallica donate $100,000 to wildfire relief efforts in California
Metallica have donated a massive $100,000 towards wildfire relief efforts in their home state of California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state-wide emergency last week after a number of wildfires ravaged parts of the state and forced 200,000 residents to evacuate.
Last year at least 80 people were killed and 22,751 buildings were destroyed in the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season ever recorded in California. So far, three people have died in 2019.
After previously donating $100,000 to the wildfire relief effort in 2018, Metallica have announced they are making the same pledge again through their non-profit All Within My Hands Foundation.
They also called on their legions of fans to help if they can – either by donating money, food, clothing or other supplies, or volunteering.
Metallica wrote: “Sadly, for the third year in a row, communities we have called home throughout the state of California are again experiencing the tragedy left in the wake of wildfires.
“The All Within My Hands Foundation would like to lend support to those affected in both Northern and Southern California by donating $100,000 to assist in relief, $50,000 to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund - created by the Community Foundation Sonoma County - and $50,000 to the Wildfire Relief Fund - created by the California Community Foundation.
“Both organizations are dedicated to long-term recovery efforts, helping residents resume normal lives as they get back on their feet after the devastation of these firestorms. We would also like to encourage you to join us in supporting those in need as well as the first responders who have been working tirelessly to keep Californians safe. Whether you are able to contribute money, non-perishable food, clothing and other supplies, or your time by volunteering or providing temporary housing, every bit helps.”
Metallica also provided donation links to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund here and the Wildfire Relief Fund here.
Founded in 2017 and taking its name from the closing ‘St. Anger’ track, Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.
Metallica have been making sizable donations to local charities at each date of their WorldWired Tour, including £40,000 to a Manchester homeless charity and cheques for £24,000 to two London charities fighting hunger.