TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's representative office in Los Angeles and the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce donated US$1 million (NT$33 million) to the Los Angeles Fire Department to assist in wildfire relief.
The donation ceremony on Sunday was attended by US Congresswomen Judy Chu and Laura Friedman, Los Angeles County Mayor Hilda Solis, and California Assembly members Mike Fong and Tri Ta. The donations were made to representatives from the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Arcadia Fire Foundation.
TECO-LA Director General Amino Chi (紀欽耀) extended his appreciation to the brave firefighters on the front lines battling the wildfires. He noted that this was the worst wildfire disaster in Los Angeles history.
Chi also shared condolences to those affected on behalf of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴). Chi said Taiwan was committed to providing meaningful support and thanked the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce for mobilizing their members to raise funds. He said this reflected the deep bonds between Taiwan and the United States.
According to a TECO-LA press release, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the donation, writing, "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.”
Newsom added, “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.”
World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce President Kenneth Wu (吳光宜) said the donation will help fire departments strengthen training and preparedness. He added that in the 31 years since the chamber was founded, it has not only helped natural disasters in Taiwan but also foreign events such as the war in Ukraine and the earthquake in Turkey.
Arcadia Fire Department chief Chen Suen (孫振傑) accepted the chamber's donation on behalf of the Los Angeles Fire Department. He expressed gratitude for the donation and said it would help his department build a regional fire training center for firefighters from neighboring towns.
