Oprah Winfrey donates supplies to Maui residents affected by ‘overwhelming’ wildfires
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is offering a helping hand to Maui residents who have been impacted by the deadly wildfires. And she’s not alone among celebrities expressing their concerns.
The billionaire talk show host, who is a part-time resident of the island, delivered a variety of supplies Thursday at a shelter in Wailuku, two days after the fire hit the historic town of Lahaina.
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“It’s a little overwhelming … but I’m really so pleased to have so many people … supporting and, you know, people are just bringing what they can and doing what they can,” she told the BBC.
An Instagram video shared by nonprofit organization Kako’o Haleakala showed the OWN personality, dressed in sweats and wearing a hat and dark glasses, carrying pillows and giving one to a resident lying on a cot. The account thanked Winfrey “for following through” by also delivering cots and toiletries.
“She even spent some time with the people here. It was very much appreciated,” the caption said.
Winfrey also told the BBC she “went shopping” at Walmart and Costco to get her supplies, which also included shampoo, diapers, sheets and pillowcases. In recent years and months, the mogul’s properties in Montecito also faced a variety of natural disasters, including floods and fires.
As the fires broke out, Winfrey and her Hollywood peers spoke out to raise awareness and voice support for Maui residents. “Fast X” actor Jason Momoa recently shared a set of informational photos from environmental non-profit Aina Momona.
“We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ‘ohana on Maui who [have] been impacted by the recent wildfires,” Momoa, who is a native of Hawaii, wrote. He also shared a link to resources.
Musician Mick Fleetwood mourned the wildfire destruction, writing Thursday on Instagram, “MAUI and The Lahaina community have been my home for several decades.” The Fleetwood Mac rocker owned a waterfront restaurant and bar, Fleetwood’s, that was lost to the flames.
