Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez have announced a substantial contribution to aid in the recovery efforts in response to the devastating wildfires that have swept through Maui, Hawaii. The wildfires, which have claimed the lives of 67 individuals, have been declared the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the US state.
Taking to Instagram late, Lauren Sanchez shared the commitment to establishing the Maui Fund, a philanthropic initiative aimed at assisting Maui in its recovery both in the immediate aftermath and in the years to come. The couple has pledged a staggering USD 100 million to support the island’s rehabilitation efforts.
“Our hearts ache for Maui as we witness the ongoing devastation caused by the wildfires. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost so much and a community left shattered,” said Sanchez in her post. She emphasised the importance of addressing both the immediate needs of the affected families and the long-term process of rebuilding, even as public attention begins to wane.
The couple’s involvement in the recovery efforts is particularly poignant given their personal connection to the region. Reports indicate that Bezos acquired a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay last year, situated less than 20 miles from the fires in South Maui. The urgency of the situation has prompted Bezos and Sanchez to step forward with their substantial contribution.
Jeff Bezos, known for his role as the founder of Amazon and his ventures in space exploration, got engaged to Lauren Sanchez in May 2023. The couple, who began dating in 2018, captured public attention when they officially acknowledged their relationship after Bezos’ divorce from his first wife, MacKenzie Scott, in 2019.
As the wildfires continue to ravage the region, West Maui remains without power and water. Rescue crews are tirelessly scouring the area in search of wildfire victims. Lahaina, a historic coastal town that annually draws approximately two million tourists, has borne the brunt of the destruction, with over 1,000 buildings reduced to ashes.
The wildfires, which ignited on Hawaii’s Maui Island and the Big Island earlier this week, remain shrouded in mystery regarding their origins. Fueled by a combination of hurricane winds and dry weather conditions, the fires have spread at an alarming rate.
