PayPal marks one year since the LA wildfires with a new video and a $500,000 commitment to community recovery efforts
One year ago, wildfires swept through parts of Los Angeles, forever changing families, businesses, and neighborhoods that made it one of the most beloved and iconic cities in the world. Los Angeles is in the midst of a remarkable comeback, and we at PayPal are in awe of this community's grit, and resilience over the past year. The progress has been awe-inspiring but for too many small businesses and community organizations, the work is far from finished.
Today, PayPal is proud to release a new video celebrating the extraordinary resilience, generosity, and determination of the Los Angeles community. From first responders and nonprofit partners to local entrepreneurs, these leaders are rebuilding with purpose long after the initial crisis. Told through powerful first-hand stories from leaders at the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, World Central Kitchen, and Altadena small business owner Brisa Lopez of Casa Catering, their stories highlight the incredible amount of hope, resolve, and sense of community that remains in LA.
Investing in Community Resilience
At the outset of the wildfires, PayPal supported the greater Los Angeles community through multiple relief efforts, including a $1 million customer donation matching campaign and $1 million in grants to local nonprofits and first responders. Together with our customers and platform partners, these efforts raised more than $20 million* to support immediate needs—such as food distribution and emergency services—as well as longer-term recovery, including small business assistance and community rebuilding.
Building on this work, PayPal is committing an additional $500,000 in grant funding. The funding will help nonprofits meet urgent and long-term recovery needs and support small businesses as they rebuild in communities impacted by natural disasters—beginning in Los Angeles and extending to other regions.
“At PayPal, we have been inspired by the strength and resilience of the LA communities whose lives were turned upside down last year,” said Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at PayPal. “And though the immediate crisis may have passed, we know there is much more work to do. By investing in long-term disaster recovery and resilience, we’re standing alongside our small business and community partners as they rebuild and continue to move forward.”
When natural disasters disrupt lives - and livelihoods, PayPal focuses on helping communities and small businesses recover and strengthen their resilience, so they’re prepared for what the future may bring.
*Based on internal PayPal data