Starting on January 7, 2025, wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, causing widespread devastation. The fires were not fully contained for three weeks, resulting in 29 deaths, the destruction of over 16,000 buildings, and leaving tens of thousands of residents being displaced. Among the most severe incidents were the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles City and the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County.
In response to the disaster, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a $500,000 donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation on January 16, 2025 to aid in relief efforts. Additionally, the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce launched a fundraising campaign, collecting over $500,000, which was donated to the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation in Los Angeles County, near the Eaton Fire-affected area.
TECO-LA hosted the “Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Donation and Lunar New Year Reception” at its Culture Center on February 9, 2025. Director General Amino Chi, representing the Taiwan government, and President Kenneth Wu, representing the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce presented the joint donation of over $1 million to the Fire Departments in Los Angeles. Other distinguished attendees included Secretary-General Kenneth Chen of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, Supervisor Maggie Chang, Honorary President Tom Wu of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America, President Karen Chen, and Honorary President Joyce Tsai, and Peter Zen, LA Wildfire Fund Raising Initiator of the Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles.
Fire Chief Chen Suen of the Arcadia Fire Department received the donation on behalf of Los Angeles Fire Departments. He expressed deep gratitude for Taiwan’s support and generosity. Also in attendance were Sho Tay, President of the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation, Jon Ansell, President of the Arcadia Firefighters’ Association, and Michael Cao, Arcadia Mayor.
During the event, Director General Amino Chi extended his heartfelt appreciation to the brave firefighters who battled the wildfires and were on the front line saving lives and communities. He noted that this was the worst wildfire disasters in Los Angeles history and shared that Taiwan’s President Lai and Vice President Hsiao had immediately expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. He emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to providing meaningful support, thanking the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce for mobilizing their members to raise funds. The gesture reflects the deep bonds between Taiwan and the United States in times of crisis. He also expressed hope that those affected by the wildfires would soon recover and rebuild their homes.
Several U.S. officials attended the donation ceremony and expressed their gratitude for Taiwan’s support, including U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Laura Friedman, California Assemblymember Mike Fong and Assemblymember Tri Ta, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
In addition, California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Director General Chi, stating: “On behalf of the state of California and the people of California, I write to extend my deepest gratitude for your invaluable assistance for our state during one of our greatest times of need. Emergencies have no borders, and the timely outpouring of support from Taiwan was profoundly appreciated by the people of Los Angeles and communities across the state of California. We have been proud to stand together with Taiwan to support our emergency responders and strengthen our capacity ...” Los Angeles County Supervisor and Chairwoman Kathryn Barger also sent a letter thanking Taiwan for its partnership and assistance. Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass also sent her representative to the event to present a certificate of appreciation.
Southern California is home to one of the largest overseas Taiwanese communities, with many organizations actively contributing to wildfire relief efforts. Various groups have launched fundraising initiatives, donated essential supplies, and provided free accommodation to those displaced by the fires. These organizations include: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles, Taiwan Center Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Southern California Chapter, Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles, National Taiwan University Alumni Association of Southern California, Overseas Taiwan Care United Association, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Buddha’s Light International Association Los Angeles Association, Southern California Taiwanese American Emergency Assistance Association, Hsi Lai Temple Buddhist Monastery in California, Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles Center, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California, Overseas Community Care Network of Los Angeles, Inland Overseas Chinese Care and Assistance Association, Overseas community Care Network of Orange County, Hakka Federation of USA , Taiwan Hotel & Motel Association of Southern California, Hacienda Heights Chinese American Association, Taiwan Benevolent Association of California and more. These efforts embody the humanitarian spirit of “Taiwan Can Help, and Taiwan is Helping!” In addition, “Institute for Asian Crime and Security” and “China Airlines Corporation America Head Office” worked with TECO-LA to donate N95 masks and goggles.
TECO-LA extends its sincere gratitude to all overseas Taiwanese community organizations in Southern California that have contributed to wildfire rescue and relief operations.
