Assistance for South California Wildfires Expands: Collaboration Between Honda, Kumho Tire, and AAA Southern California
In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through California, several organizations have come together to provide assistance. Among them are Honda, Kumho Tire, AAA SoCal, and KCAL Cares.
Jennifer Thomas, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at American Honda Motor Co., has emphasized Honda's commitment to helping rebuild communities where the company first established its American roots 65 years ago. As part of this initiative, Honda, in partnership with KCAL Cares, launched a toy and essentials donation drive aimed at helping children who lost belongings in the wildfires. The LA Lost Stuffy Project, an effort to provide comfort through stuffed animals and toys, is one such example.
While specific details about Kumho Tire's assistance were not found, organizations involved in wildfire relief often contribute through material donations, services, or fundraising campaigns. Kumho Tire U.S.A. has donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, with the funds set to fund critical equipment and supplies for firefighters battling wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
AAA SoCal, too, has joined the efforts, although no specific wildfire relief activities were found in the available data. However, AAA typically supports communities through roadside assistance, emergency services, or partnerships for disaster relief.
KCAL Cares, a media and charity partnership, has been at the forefront of the relief efforts. In addition to the toy and essentials drives led by Honda, KCAL Cares has raised over $900,000 for the American Red Cross through fundraising partnerships, aided blood donations, and helped with the recovery and rebuilding of Southern California communities affected by the wildfires.
The Automobile Club of Southern California has also initiated a comprehensive support program for wildfire relief efforts. The Auto Club is offering free emergency roadside services to police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and Army National Guard members engaged in wildfire recovery efforts. The organization has pledged $800,000 to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and $200,000 to the American Red Cross, specifically designated for wildfire relief initiatives. Greg Backley, President and CEO of the Auto Club, emphasized the organization's commitment to the community.
Members who have experienced losses due to the wildfires can file claims online at AAA.com, by phone, or in person at Auto Club branches in Pasadena and Santa Monica. Claims representatives will also be present at federal and state disaster recovery centers to assist members. Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services are offering payment extensions and lease deferrals for impacted customers.
Honda is further extending its support by donating an additional $500,000 to the American Red Cross, bringing its total contribution for California wildfire relief efforts to $1 million. The funds from Honda's donation will aid tens of thousands of people affected by the 2025 California wildfires. Honda's U.S. sales and marketing headquarters is located in the region affected by the wildfires, underscoring the company's deep connection to the community.
Edmund Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire U.S.A., expressed the company's commitment to supporting the affected community. Honda is also encouraging its associates to participate in relief efforts through a matching donation program, with a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 per contribution.
These collaborative efforts highlight the collective spirit of support and solidarity in the face of crisis, with organizations coming together to provide much-needed aid and assistance to those affected by the wildfires.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, an organization primarily known for roadside assistance, emergency services, and disaster relief partnerships, has initiated a comprehensive support program for wildfire relief efforts, pledging $1 million in total to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the American Red Cross.
Kumho Tire U.S.A., a key player in the automotive industry, has demonstrated its support for the community by donating $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, with the funds intended for critical equipment and supplies for firefighters, thereby significantly contributing to the finance sector for wildfire relief efforts.
