Called Not Giving Donations To Concert Results To Victims, FireAid Opens Voice

FireAid Concert (Instagram @fireaidla)

FireAid released an official statement to refute reports that the proceeds from charity concerts were not distributed directly to the victims.

As is known, the FireAid concert which was held last January was a show initiated to raise funds for victims of a major fire in Los Angeles, USA.

The concert features many big names, such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, No Doubt, Olivia Rodrigo,vies Wonder, Anderson Paak, to Alanis Morissatte.

According to the official website of the FireAid organization, the concert, which was watched by more than 50 million people, managed to raise more than 100 million US dollars through ticket sales and merchandise, sponsorship, and donations from the public.

FireAid reports that the disbursement of funds will be in three stages, namely 50 million US dollars in February, 25 million in June, and 25 million more will be distributed later this year.

However, the controversy regarding the allocation of funds has become a topic of conversation in recent weeks, where FireAid is said to have disbursed the funds to non-profit institutions, instead directly to victims affected by the fire.

For some of the news that emerged, FireAid also called the reports a misinformation. Through an official statement uploaded on Instagram, they tried to give views to donors and victims about how FireAid used their funds.

To the Los Angeles Times, FireAid claimed to have contacted more than 100 fund recipient organizations to review the grants received and how the funds were used.

Meanwhile, partnerships with several non-profit institutions are their way of directly reaching people who need food and housing stability.

"Every recipient is required to report the use of funds to ensure full transparency and impact. The year-end report, which will mature in December 2025, will be audited by FireAid auditor KPMG," reads FireAid's statement, citing Instagram post, Tuesday, July 29.

The FireAid website also lists partners who have received grants, and the organization states that it will continue to publish documentation of how the funds provided have reached communities affected by forest fires in Los Angeles.

"Although there is still a lot to be done, the funds raised through FireAid have provided the much-needed assistance to as many people as possible," they wrote.

Meanwhile, grant recipients announced in February for the music division and artists are the Armory Center for the Arts, LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, LA Commons, LA County Arts & Creative Recovery Fund, MusiCares Foundation, Music Health Alliance Music Industry Mental Health Fund yang baru diluncurkan, dan Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.