Thursday, December 26, 2024

Taylor Swift donates $5 million to hurricane relief efforts amid devastation from Helene and arrival of Milton

Must read

Taylor Swift has contributed $5 million to support communities affected by both  Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Feeding America, a non-profit organization, shared a statement from its CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, on social media, expressing gratitude for the pop superstar’s donation. 

The charity noted how the lump sum will go towards helping communities rebuild and recover by providing essential resources like food, clean water, and supplies to those impacted by the storms. 

‘We’re incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $5 million donation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts,’ the post reads. 

Taylor Swift has contributed $5 million to support communities affected by both Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Tampa prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on Wednesday coming just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene

 Tampa prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on Wednesday coming just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene

‘This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms,’ the statement went on.

‘Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead. Thank you, Taylor, for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need.’ 

It’s not the first time Swift has stepped up to help those in need. 

In the past, she donated $1 million toward disaster relief efforts in Tennessee following storms in December 2023.

She also made a $100,000 donation to assist the family of a woman who tragically lost her life at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February.

During her massively successful Eras Tour, Swift has consistently supported food banks in the cities she visited, including the Edinburgh Food Project and the Arizona Food Bank Network

It was reported that she awarded over $55 million in bonuses to her tour crew, including dancers, sound technicians, riggers, and catering staff.

Swiftys appeared impressed with her generosity. 

The charity noted how the lump sum will go towards helping communities rebuild and recover by providing essential resources like food, clean water, and supplies to all those impacted

The charity noted how the lump sum will go towards helping communities rebuild and recover by providing essential resources like food, clean water, and supplies to all those impacted 

An aerial view of flood damaged homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on October 4, in Swannanoa, North Carolina. At least 215 people were killed in six states

 An aerial view of flood damaged homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on October 4, in Swannanoa, North Carolina. At least 215 people were killed in six states 

An American flag hangs above floodwaters remaining from Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina

An American flag hangs above floodwaters remaining from Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina

‘This is why her fans stand with her through everything. She puts kindness and generosity into everything she does,’ wrote one fan.

‘@taylorswift thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of our neighbors in 24 counties. You always bring love and hope,’ said another.

‘So rad! Hate her or love her, she puts her money to great use and has a big heart,’ added a third. 

Swift is expected to resume her Eras Tour in the near future with performances scheduled for Miami, New Orleans, and Indianapolis, before concluding in Canada with shows in Toronto and Vancouver.

Hurricane Milton hurled rain, tornadoes and tropical storm-force winds at Florida’s west coast on Wednesday night as time ran out for residents to evacuate from the potentially catastrophic path the storm was carving toward Florida.

Earlier, officials issued dire warnings to flee or face grim odds of survival.

‘This is it, folks,’ said Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, which sits on the peninsula that forms Tampa Bay. 

‘Those of you who were punched during Hurricane Helene, this is going to be a knockout. You need to get out, and you need to get out now.’

‘Unless you really have a good reason to leave at this point, we suggest you just hunker down,’ Polk County Emergency Management Director Paul Womble said in a public update.

As Tampa prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton workers help the National Guard put up a flood barrier around a wastewater facility in the city

As Tampa prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton workers help the National Guard put up a flood barrier around a wastewater facility in the city

A satellite image shows Hurricane Milton swirling in the Gulf of Mexico approaching Florida

A satellite image shows Hurricane Milton swirling in the Gulf of Mexico approaching Florida

Milton, which has fluctuated in intensity as it approaches Florida, was a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday afternoon. It was expected to remain a hurricane after hitting land and plowing across the state, including the heavily populated Orlando area, through Thursday.

Tampa Bay, near the top of a long stretch of coastline that could be in the bull’s-eye, has not taken a direct hit from a major hurricane in more than a century.

Milton threatened communities still reeling two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes in western Florida and left at least 230 people dead across the South. 

In many places along the coast, municipalities raced to collect and dispose of debris before Milton’s winds and storm surge could toss it around and compound any damage.

Latest article