Los Angeles: Taiwan's representative office in Los Angeles and the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce have made a joint donation of US$1 million to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. The contribution was presented to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Arcadia Fire Foundation during a ceremony at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA).
According to Focus Taiwan, TECO-LA Director General Amino Chi and World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce President Kenneth Wu handed over the donation on behalf of Taiwan's government and the business organization, respectively. California Governor Gavin Newsom conveyed his gratitude to Chi in a letter, acknowledging Taiwan's critical assistance during the wildfires, which he described as a period of significant need for California.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of international support in times of emergency and expressed profound appreciation from the people of Los Angeles and across California. Los Angeles County Supervisor and Chairwoman Kathryn Barger also extended her thanks to Taiwan for its collaboration and aid.
The wildfires, which began on January 7, were not completely contained for three weeks and caused extensive damage in the Los Angeles area. The fires led to 29 fatalities, the destruction of over 16,000 buildings, and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents. The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles City and the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County were identified as the most severely affected areas.
On January 16, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged US$500,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to assist with relief efforts. Additionally, the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce raised over US$500,000 through a fundraising campaign, which was contributed to the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation near the Eaton Fire area.
Chen Suen, chief of the Arcadia Fire Department, accepted the chamber's donation of US$500,000 on behalf of the Los Angeles Fire Departments. Suen highlighted the significance of the donation, noting its potential to help realize the department's long-standing goal of establishing a regional fire training center. Suen, who has roots in Taichung, Taiwan, expressed gratitude for Taiwan's support and pride in his Taiwanese heritage.