A collection from parishioners within the Diocese of Orange raised more than $380,000 in aid for the victims of the fire in Paradise, CA that is now one of the deadliest and most destructive fires in the history of the state. The “Camp Fire” killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures on Nov. 8, 2018, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Residents returning to the city with the intention to rebuild are faced with a number of obstacles including quality of water and air as well as access to housing.
Elizabeth Drouillard of Anaheim reports that one parish requested that their $10,000 contribution go specifically to St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise, which was also affected by the fire. Drouillard said that her co-worker, who lives in Paradise, has family whose homes did not survive.
Upon receiving the significant donation from the Diocese of Orange, the bishop of Sacramento, Bishop Jaime Soto, sent a letter of thanks to Bishop Vann, stating: “Thank you for the gifts from your diocese totaling $380,164.90 to be used to aid those sisters and brothers affected by the recent Camp Fire. The fire has been catastrophic. Your generosity will bring much comfort to our friends, assuring them they are not alone.”