THE ROMAN CATHOLIC Diocese of Orange is donating $1 million toward relief efforts to help victims of the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires, and is promoting a new collaboration with The Orange Catholic Foundation to gather additional funds.
As a faith community of more than one million strong in Orange County, diocesan leaders hope this concerted effort will aid our Southern California neighbors and families in need who have lost their lives, their homes and businesses or been displaced.
“We here in the Diocese of Orange pray for that the Lord give strength to all those who have been affected by these wildfires,” said Bishop Kevin Vann. “As the magnitude of this tragedy presses on, many here the Diocese of Orange have been wondering how to help. We are pleased and grateful to announce that, in addition to the special collection that is being taken up in our parishes, there is yet another way for us all to aid the afflicted.”
The Orange Catholic Foundation, a well-established nonprofit founded in 2000, will be collecting the funds on behalf of the Diocese and working closely with Los Angeles Catholic parishes, the Knights of Columbus and other trusted ministries to identify and support those in need within the affected communities.
Steve Cameron, executive director of The Orange Catholic Foundation shared his thoughts: “With the leadership of Bishop Vann, we have come together to create the Help L.A. Fund. Through our collaborative effort, we’re embracing the principle of subsidiarity, equipping local parish pastors in L.A. to identify and respond to the unique needs of the men, women and children within their communities as they rebuild their lives after the fire.”
Bishop Vann added: “With so much information out there, some of it false or unreliable, we here in the Diocese want to ensure that through the trusted, faith-filled partner that is The Orange Catholic Foundation, all acts of generosity will truly benefit those in need.”
To donate and learn more, please visit www.rcbo.org/Help-LA