SAG-AFTRA donation to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.
SAG-AFTRA today announced that it is making a $1 million donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.
Since the fires broke out, the union has temporarily closed its office in Los Angeles for safety’s sake, with staff working to support members remotely, and it has kept members informed and connected to emergency resources.
“I want to thank and recognize our broadcast journalist members who are out every day amid flames, smoke and fiery embers battling to bring this important news to the world. The destruction caused by these blazes, the loss of life and homes, has been gut-wrenching to experience, and of course our hearts go out to all affected. But we knew we could do more; we hope this pledge helps relieve suffering and assists those impacted in putting their lives back together after this calamity. I have personally been affected by the fires and I feel deeply for others who are experiencing this tragedy. These are particularly stressful times. Stress compromises the immune system so we must be mindful of taking measures to support our health.” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
“The very essence of a labor union is solidarity: that we all work to elevate each other during times of stability, and we’re there for each other in times of crisis. The devastation is hard to fathom, even for those of us living in it. We’re so fortunate to have the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as a resource and a place our members can turn to in times of need. If you have been fortunate to have been spared direct impact from this disaster, please help out in any way you can, whether by volunteer service, helping others in need, or donating to relief funds like the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
SAG-AFTRA and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation have provided resources and support to members whenever and wherever in the nation disaster has struck, from the flooding in New York due to Superstorm Sandy to the hurricanes in the Southeast and beyond.
About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.