In early January, wildfires ravaged the greater Los Angeles area starting from January 7th. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC), jointly donated over $1 million to local fire departments to assist with disaster relief efforts. The Asian Criminology and Public Safety Research Center and China Airlines Americas also worked with the office to promptly provide donations such as N95 masks and protective goggles, once again showcasing Taiwan’s spirit of “Taiwan can help, Taiwan is helping.”
Los Angeles saw multiple cities being hit by wildfires, with the flames being fully contained three weeks later, resulting in 29 fatalities, over 16,000 structures being destroyed, and tens of thousands left homeless. Among the most severe incidents were the Palisades Fire in the city of Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China announced on January 16th a donation of $500,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to aid wildfire relief efforts in the area. Additionally, the WTCC raised over $500,000 to donate to the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation near the Eaton Fire area in Los Angeles County.
On Sunday, February 9th, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles held a donation ceremony and Lunar New Year gathering at the Los Angeles Chinese Service Center. Director General Ji Qin Yao and WTCC President Wu Kuang-yi jointly represented the government of the Republic of China and WTCC in donating over $1 million to the Los Angeles fire departments.
Secretary-General of WTCC Chen Qing-en, Supervisor of the WTCC-affiliated North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Zhang Shu-fen, Honorary President Wu Dong-sheng, President of the Los Angeles Taiwan-American Chamber of Commerce Chen Ling-hua, Honorary President Ye Yilan, and relief fundraising event initiator Xu Mingfeng all attended the donation ceremony.
Chen Suen, the Fire Chief of the Arcadia Fire Department in Los Angeles County, expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the Los Angeles fire departments for Taiwan’s support and goodwill. Sho Tay, Chairman of the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation, Jon Ansell, President of the Arcadia Firefighters’ Association, and Mayor Michael Cao of Arcadia also attended the donation ceremony.
During his speech, Ji Qin Yao expressed deep respect and gratitude to all the frontline firefighters involved in wildfire relief efforts, mentioning that Los Angeles faced its most severe wildfire situation in history. President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, and Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin promptly offered sincere condolences and concern to families who lost their homes in the wildfires.
Taiwan’s government and people actively participated in relief efforts, with Ji Qin Yao specifically mentioning that WTCC called on its Taiwanese business members to unite in fundraising, demonstrating the true friendship between Taiwan and the United States during difficult times. He expressed hope for the affected residents to soon overcome their pain and rebuild their homes.
Dignitaries attending the donation ceremony included U.S. Congress members Judy Chu and Laura Friedman, California Assembly members Mike Fong and Tri Ta, Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Lindsey Horvath, who all expressed heartfelt thanks for Taiwan’s generosity.
California Governor Newsom wrote to Ji Qin Yao, stating, “On behalf of California and its people, I express sincere gratitude for your invaluable assistance. Emergency situations have no borders, and residents of Los Angeles and communities in California deeply appreciate the timely support from Taiwan. I am proud to stand with Taiwan, supporting our emergency responders and strengthening our readiness.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also extended her gratitude in a letter, appreciating Taiwan’s spirit of mutual assistance.
Southern California is one of the important overseas Taiwanese communities, where community activities thrive. The serious situation of the Los Angeles wildfires prompted many groups to initiate fundraising, donate supplies, and provide free accommodations, showcasing Taiwan’s humanitarian spirit of helping the world. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office expressed sincere thanks to all the community groups in Southern California participating in wildfire relief efforts.
These groups include the Chinese American Association of Los Angeles, the Greater Los Angeles Taiwanese Association, the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund, the World Chinese Business Women’s Management Association Southern California Chapter, the Taiwan American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, the National Taiwan University Alumni Association of Southern California, the Overseas Taiwan Compatriots Care Association, Tzu Chi Foundation USA, Fo Guang Shan Los Angeles Temple, Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles Center, the World Chinese Business Women’s Management Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter, the Southern California United Alumni Association of Chinese Universities, Southern California Taiwanese American Emergency Relief Association, the Los Angeles Overseas Community Emergency Relief Association, Inland Empire Overseas Community Emergency Relief Association, Orange County Overseas Community Emergency Relief Association, American Hakka Association, Southern California Taiwanese Hotel Industry Association, Hacienda Chinese Association, and the California Taiwanese Association, among others. ◇