The recent wildfires that devastated Los Angeles have seen a remarkable outpouring of support from communities and celebrities alike. Among the many who stepped forward, Selena Gomez’s efforts have been particularly notable. On January 16, 2025, Gomez, alongside her fiancé, Benny Blanco, engaged directly with the affected community, volunteering to serve meals and distribute emergency care kits to those displaced by the fires.
In a series of heartwarming clips shared on her Instagram Stories, Gomez and Blanco were seen on the front lines, distributing sandwiches and refreshments to first responders.
Casually dressed and masked, the couple made sure to emphasize safety as they conveyed how much they appreciate the firefighters and police fighting the incident. Sincere gratitude oozed in Gomez’s messages as she thanked the emergency workers for all they did running around on grueling tasks. The message attracted many to her in a loving reply on social media.
Beyond her personal involvement, Gomez’s beauty brand, Rare Beauty, has taken significant strides in supporting wildfire relief. The company quickly assembled emergency care kits filled with essential supplies for evacuation centers and made generous donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and World Central Kitchen. Recognizing the mental health toll of such disasters, Rare Beauty also pledged to support mental health initiatives through its Rare Impact Fund, providing pro bono therapy for young people affected by the fires.
Gomez’s step has set an example, and more celebrities are into the cause now. For instance, Taylor Swift donated handsomely and urged her followers to give, too, thus spreading the relief efforts. Meanwhile, the likes of Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish are preparing for the L.A. FireAid Concert to raise more funds for the affected people.
Notably, the collective celebrity involvement has shifted public perception of celebrity activism, showcasing it as a powerful force for good. The integration of personal volunteerism and corporate social responsibility by figures like Gomez underscores a growing trend where public figures leverage their platforms to effect real change.
The response from the celebrity community has been overwhelming. Beyonce’s BeyGOOD Foundation pledged $2.5 million to aid affected families, while Eva Longoria’s foundation committed $1 million to support Latino communities. Jamie Lee Curtis donated $1 million, coordinating with local leaders on fund allocation, and Paris Hilton launched a matching fund of $100,000 through her nonprofit.
Jennifer Garner, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, took a hands-on approach by volunteering with World Central Kitchen to provide meals to first responders and displaced residents. Halle Berry and Sharon Stone organized clothing drives, ensuring victims had access to essential items.
The community’s response to these efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzz around Gomez’s volunteer work highlighted a collective admiration and inspired many to contribute to the cause. Rare Beauty’s initiatives, in particular, were lauded for addressing both immediate physical needs and long-term mental health support.
This wave of celebrity-driven activism has also prompted a broader discussion about corporate social responsibility. Brands like Rare Beauty are setting a new standard, demonstrating that businesses can play a pivotal role in community support during crises.
