Bella Hadid Posted a Heartbreaking Instagram About the California Wildfires
SOURCE: GLAMOUR
BY: HALIE LESAVAGE
Destructive wildfires are currently ravaging sections of Northern and Southern California with devastating force. According to an estimate by CNN, nearly 250,000 people across the state have been evacuated from their homes as a result. In Southern California, the currently uncontrolled Woolsey fire in Ventura County and Malibu has burned over 70,000 acres of land. In response to the event, Bella Hadid posted a heartfelt tribute to Malibu, where she and siblings Gigi and Anwar Hadid grew up, on her Instagram.
According to Hadid’s post, the high school she attended and a number of town landmarks have been lost in the fire. “[C]an’t believe this….it makes me so emotional looking at these photographs taken in the past two days. our beautiful Malibu looks so sad today,” she wrote. “[M]alibu is such a connected, loving community with families that have lived there for 30+ years. Many of them growing up together raising children together for so many decades making so many memories… our high school has gone down as well as so many of the homes we all grew up in…pavilions was more than just a grocery store.😔”
Although Hadid is not in California at the time—she just wrapped filming for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City—the tragedy deeply resonated with her, and she expressed empathy to her those who have been affected, adding that she hopes “we can come up with something very soon to help.”
“I can’t even imagine how you all are feeling back home having to evacuate…im so sorry that you have to watch this happen right in front of you- Im sure it is the most painful thing in the world,” she continued. “[M]y heart is so broken I am so sorry to every single person that lost their homes, and I hope we can come up with something very soon to help… as you can see- horses and other animals are being brought to beaches because there is no way to get out of Malibu anymore.”
To assist with relief efforts, Hadid shared contact information for several relief organizations in her post, especially for those who might need to take their animals out of harm’s way. “I added a few places you can evacuate your animals to if anyone that needs help is reading this… I can’t imagine having to leave my horses behind..I feel so helpless right now …” she said. “[T]hank you to all of the incredible fire fighters in Malibu and from the valley who are working so hard in danger for the community. You are so incredible And we salute you. I hope everyone is safe and I am praying for this psychotic fire to just stop!!!!!”
Sister Gigi Hadid also shared a tribute to the city on her Instagram story. “To my friends and their families and our whole community: I wish the best for your safety and the security of your homes. I’m so sorry to everyone who has everyone who has lost already in these fires…& heartbroken for our cherished Malibu High[.]”
To help families affected by the Woolsey Fire, you can make a donation to the Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort Fund or the Red Cross.