Dwayne Johnson recently addressed the criticism he faced alongside Oprah Winfrey for urging the public to donate to a Maui wildfire recovery fund. In an Instagram video, Johnson acknowledged the initial backlash, expressing understanding for those who may be living paycheck to paycheck.
Johnson emphasized the importance of empathy, acknowledging that money isn’t readily available for everyone and that many are struggling to make ends meet. He candidly admitted that asking for donations, especially from those already facing financial challenges, can be a sensitive topic.
Back in August, Johnson and Winfrey jointly established the People’s Fund of Maui, each contributing $5 million to kickstart the campaign. The fund aimed to provide $1200 per month to those who lost their primary homes in the Lahaina and Kula fires.
In his video update, Johnson shared that the first round of funding has already reached “thousands and thousands of survivors,” demonstrating progress in the initiative.
It’s worth noting that the wildfires in Maui were tragically devastating, resulting in over 100 casualties, making them the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Dwayne Johnson’s candid response to the initial backlash shows a commitment to improvement and a genuine concern for those affected by the wildfires. His willingness to learn from this experience is a valuable lesson in navigating philanthropic efforts with sensitivity and effectiveness.