Vegan love spreads amid a disaster in Los Angeles

peta gives supplies package to firefighters during Los Angeles fires

Released by Elena Waldman.

5 my read

Deadly, catastrophic fires have caused unprecedented devastation in Los Angeles — but across the city, compassionate individuals and businesses are finding strength in the face of need and coming together to offer shelter, resources and unwavering support to those in need. As the city and its residents grapple with massive losses, one thing is clear: Kindness unites us all.

How LA’s community gets vegan love during a disaster

Los Angeles’ vegan community serves as a beacon of hope by providing meals and supplies to firefighters, other first responders and evacuees. Here is an example of vegan outreach that supports those in need:

  • PETA partnered with chef Aaron Elliot of the Los Angeles-based vegan delivery service Meal ticket to feed people who help animals in need. The team brought prepackaged meals to Animal Hope and Wellness at the Palms, Paws Veterinary Center and the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. Donate here to support Meal Ticket’s efforts to provide healthy vegan meals to firefighters, other first responders and evacuees.
  • PETA delivered urgently needed supplies of vegan lip balm, tissues and water to the Los Angeles Fire Department in Echo Park, ensuring firefighters stay hydrated and cared for.
peta provides supply package to firefighters during Los Angeles fires
  • Support + feedPETA’s 2020 Company of the Year, founded by Maggie Baird (mother of Grammy Award-winning artist Billie Eilish), distributes nutritious, climate-friendly meals in partnership with Beyond Meat and local favorite Cena Vegan.
  • Pura Vita West Hollywood restaurant offers free pizza to firefighters.
  • Dear Bella Creamery in Hollywood gives first responders a free scoop of its delicious ice cream.
  • Sugar Taco locations in Long Beach and Melrose are offering free burritos to firefighters and displaced residents along with water bottles, protein bars and baby supplies. Visit their online ordering platform to sponsor a hot meal for someone in need.
  • Yoga herb‘s locations in Echo Park, Glendale, Granada Hills and Santa Monica provide free soft-serve bowls, smoothies and other treats to firefighters and first responders. Community members can also sponsor Yoga-urt’s donations to evacuees and families who have lost their homes.
  • Firefighters, police officers and other first responders can get a free meal on the house at the vegan Mexican eatery El Cocinero Restaurant in Van Nuys.
  • Vromage kitchen in West Hollywood is serving free pizza sandwiches to firefighters.
  • In Brentwood and Marina del Rey, Plant provides free to-go meals to first responders and those affected by the fires.

Many other vegan businesses across Los Angeles are stepping up. Check social media to see if your favorite restaurant is offering free meals or deals to support the community.

Support for dogs, cats and other animal friends in need

Some evacuation orders came suddenly, leaving many people unable to return home to save their animal companions. Caring individuals immediately went to work, creating social media pages and Excel spreadsheets to help the countless guardians eagerly hoping to be reunited with their beloved companions. Friendly businesses also offer food and resources.

  • PETA Business Friend and dog food brand V dog has partnered with local groups to distribute dog food to evacuees at the Pasadena Convention Center.
  • Vestsa veterinary virtual care platform, offers free online appointments with licensed veterinarians to guardians whose animal companions feel ill or need medication. Visit the Vetster online help and support resource to create an appointment.
  • Animal shelters across Los Angeles have taken in thousands of displaced animals in need of shelter and veterinary care. Fortunately, foster families are coming forward in droves to make room for animals in need of safe haven. Contact your local shelter today if you would like to keep an animal safe and make room for fire evacuees.

Other ways you can help

In times of crisis, compassionate actions keep societies afloat. Even if you are not affected by the fires, now is the perfect time to spread kindness. Treat your neighbor to a vegan meal, bring a donation to your local vegan community fridge, and encourage your friends and family to take PETA’s 3-week vegan challenge. Learn more about how you can save water, lower your carbon footprint and protect the planet by going vegan – and then inspire others to do the same! Remember: Your fellow animals, including humans, need you.

If you live in Los Angeles and want to support wildfire victims, here are some ways you can make a difference:

  • Contact your local shelter to find out what is needed. Many shelters are in urgent need of foster homes and supplies.
  • Donate vegan non-perishable items to food delivery sites such as the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dream Center, La Cañada Congregational Church and LA Galaxy.
  • Delivers fresh food to one of the city’s 15 communal fridges.
  • Visit the LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources website for volunteer opportunities, donation drives and more.

Compassion lights the way in times of crisis and every day. Whether it’s supporting first responders, caring for animals or donating to those in need, every act of kindness makes a difference. Together, we can help Los Angeles recover and make the world a better place.

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