As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, one of its professional sports teams is taking steps to assist in relief efforts.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday that they will provide $200,000 in targeted funding to the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations that shelter animals that have been displaced by the wildfires.
The franchise is also urging fans to attend “Charge Up to Playoff” events ahead of the team’s wild card game against the Houston Texans, which begins in Houston on Saturday.
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Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos watches from the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. (Images by Kirby Lee-Imagn)
The team’s watch party at Hermosa Beach Pier on Saturday will also serve as a supply drive, as the Chargers are asking fans to bring supplies for evacuation centers, including El Camino Real High School.
“While we are currently experiencing unprecedented conditions that seemingly cannot get worse as we deal with multiple fires in our region, we are also witnessing our community at its best,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “The bravery, selflessness, courage, sacrifice and compassion shown over the past 24 hours by first responders, good Samaritans, friends, family and neighbors have been extraordinary.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been displaced by these fires, the firefighters, police officers and frontline workers who are risking their lives to keep us safe and those among us who have stepped up to help each other. to others in this incredible time of need.”
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The Chargers had a “Charge Up to Playoffs” event scheduled for Friday in Sherman Oaks, but fires continue to ravage the area. However, similar events will take place as scheduled, and the hope is that fans who can provide items like blankets, bottled water, new or gently used clothing, first aid kits and more will join the relief efforts. .
The team has a history of helping those in need, and not just in their own community. They recently donated 50/50 of the raffle proceeds from the team’s game against the Tennessee Titans to the American Red Cross’s mountain fire relief efforts in Ventura County. Additionally, the organization has contributed funds to relief efforts for the Maui Fire, Hurricane Harvey and other causes.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert passes the ball against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (David Butler II-Image Images)
While the Chargers are focused on supporting their community in this time of crisis, they do have to think about their game in Houston in a few days.
The team may not play at its home SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which had an air quality index above 280 on Wednesday, but the team altered its practice schedule to limit players’ time outdoors, a team official told ESPN.
Meanwhile, a game is scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium, as the Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. The NFL issued a statement saying it is closely monitoring the fires in Los Angeles.
The weather conditions do not help firefighters control the flames, as it is often too windy to fight fires with airplanes.
A general view of a Los Angeles Chargers helmet during the Kansas City Chiefs game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley – USA Today Sports)
The Los Angeles Fire Department has already called out off-duty firefighters to help, and thousands are already working around the clock to control the fires.
