Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Help Extinguish Maui Aftermath Fires

Earlier this month, devastating wildfires ravaged the island of Maui in Hawaii, prompting hectic evacuations, killing hundreds of people, and leaving more unaccounted for in Lāhainā. Maui County points the finger at Hawaiian Electric for mismanaged power lines as the culprit. While the cause of the Maui fires is still up for debate, one thing for sure is that people are displaced and in need of relief.

Enter some Disney veterans.

Credit: People’s Fund of Maui

Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey swooped in to put out the kind of fires that water hoses can’t solve – a desperate need for funds to assist the Maui community affected by the tragedy.

Oprah Winfrey is a certified Disney Legend! She voices Eudora, Princess Tiana’s mother, in Disney’s 2009 The Princess and the Frog and portrays Mrs. Which in A Wrinkle in Time (2018). Dwanye Jonhson has various connections with Disney projects, the most notable being his voice role as Maui, the demi-god in the 2016 film Moana, and his leading role alongside Emily Blunt in the Disney ride-inspired film Jungle Cruise (2021).

Credit: Disney, Canva

People.com reports that the two Disney alum banned together to create the People’s Fund of Maui, which will “distribute cash directly to those who were displaced and affected by the fire,” and “all net proceeds” from each donation “will go to those directly impacted in Maui.”

Winfrey and Johnson put in the first donation, a joint $10 million, to get the fund on its feet. From the release for the People’s Fund of Maui initiative, Winfrey said,

I have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service. The main thing I’ve been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden.

Credit: People’s Fund of Maui

Dwayne Johnson referenced his roots and offered,

As people around the world watched the catastrophic loss and devastation caused by the Maui wildfires, they also witnessed the great spirit and resilience of our Polynesian culture and the tremendous strength of the people of Maui. Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Maui come together, and we rise — that’s what makes us stronger.

In an Instagram post, the pair announced that every eligible displaced adult resident from the affected area can receive $1200 per month to get through recovery.

If you would like to donate to the People’s Fund of Maui or need assistance related to the Maui wildfires, please go to this website for more information.