In the wake of the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles, the surf community, along with local brands and professional athletes, has rallied together in a powerful show of solidarity and support for those affected by the disaster.
The call to action came swiftly after the Palisades fire erupted. Luca Padua, a big-wave surfer fresh off a historic performance at Maverick’s, was one of the first to respond. He reached out to Pat O’Connell from Florence and Tim Burnham of the Ben Carlson Foundation in Newport Beach. As someone who had experienced the devastating loss of a family home in a Northern California fire in 2017, Padua felt compelled to act quickly.
“Nothing happens if you don’t do something,” Padua said, quoting his mentor Laird Hamilton.
What followed was a wave of community-driven efforts far greater than anticipated. Less than 24 hours after mobilizing, the call for donations was shared across the social channels of SURFER, Florence, and the Ben Carlson Foundation. Within hours, support began pouring in.
Initially, the goal was to assist LA County lifeguards, many of whom had lost everything in the fire. But within days, the initiative had exceeded all expectations. Hundreds of volunteers showed up at Florence’s Newport Beach location, where a significant relief operation took place. Over the course of two days, 20 large moving trucks were filled with donations and sent to fire relief centers throughout Los Angeles. The trucks were stocked with water, clothing, and an array of essential supplies, showcasing the community’s coordinated efforts.
The relief efforts didn’t stop there. Alongside the physical donations, a major fundraising initiative was launched. The Ben Carlson Foundation contributed $60,000 in aid to LA County lifeguards. Padua also enlisted the help of NFL star Christian McCaffrey, who kickstarted a separate fundraiser with an initial donation of $25,000. As of now, McCaffrey’s GoFundMe campaign has raised $67,000, with a target goal of $100,000. The funds will be directly distributed to first responders and lifeguards impacted by the fire.
The success of this operation was only possible due to the dedication and generosity of countless individuals and organizations. Key contributors included the teams at Florence and the Ben Carlson Foundation, who turned an idea into an extraordinary reality. Additionally, The New Earth Project made a $5,000 donation to support the cause, while Sun Bum, led by Evan Slater, donated hundreds of units of sunscreen and personal care products. Costa Sunglasses also stepped in, sending shades to protect the eyes of the lifeguards, while Tenore, Bill Sharp’s Big Wave Challenge, Independent Blanks, Melin, Liquipel, 5.11 Tactical, and VESL Vixens made notable contributions.
Other significant supporters included Fam Vans Delivery Trucks and Found Rental Delivery Trucks, who generously donated the use of their vehicles for the transport of supplies. Local businesses such as A Market, 22nd Street Pizza, and Vacancy Coffee ensured the volunteers remained energized throughout the effort. In addition, the Crystal Cove Lifeguard Department, Pepperdine Men’s Volleyball team, Newport Beach Fire Department, and Newport Beach Lifeguard Department played a crucial role in providing support on the ground.
The collective effort, driven by community spirit and a shared desire to make a difference, has proven that when people come together, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, remarkable things can happen.
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