Event

Iliza Shlesinger Raises Funds for L.A. Fire Victims at Vancouver Show

Published January 14, 2025

Iliza Shlesinger, a well-known comedian, plans to use her upcoming performance in Vancouver to assist those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

Shlesinger, who is set to perform at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Friday, resides in Los Angeles. Thankfully, her own home was not impacted by the fires, but she is acutely aware of the many individuals and families who have suffered significant losses.

In a conversation with Global News, Shlesinger expressed her admiration for the swift efforts made by her community in response to the crisis. She noted, "What is heartening is seeing how quickly my city jumped into action. How quickly the donation centres were at capacity. How much, all of a sudden, a city that is very much tiered in terms of socioeconomic, A-list versus B-list, how quickly that all just melted away," she said. "It was just, 'Come over, what can I do? How can we help those on the ground?'"

Expressing her pride in being part of the Los Angeles community, she added, "In situations like this, you realize how big human hearts can be and that you really can rely on one another. Sometimes it takes the worst to see us at our best."

Shlesinger shared that those on the ground have indicated that the most beneficial donations are monetary contributions or items that can easily be converted to money, such as gift cards. To facilitate donations, she will have a drop-off location at her show for attendees and anyone in the vicinity, stating, "Even if you’re not attending the show and you want to drop something, you’re in the neighbourhood, great."

She plans to set up a box or a desk at the VIP check-in area for individuals to leave their contributions. She reassured donors that she would ensure their gifts reach those in need back in Los Angeles. "We’re going to put a box or a desk at the VIP check-in and you can just leave with them and they’ll make sure it gets to me and I will make sure it gets to people that need it in Los Angeles, should you feel compelled to give something," Shlesinger explained.

Shlesinger emphasized her commitment to using her platform for good, saying, "Every human has to take their turn helping each other."

In addition to Shlesinger's efforts, Jackie Lind, a casting director residing in Coquitlam with ties to Los Angeles, is also working to support friends in the affected area. Lind commented on the overwhelming impact of the fires, stating that everyone has been touched by this disaster in some way, either through air quality issues or by knowing someone who has lost possessions or loved ones. "Whatever you’re watching on television, it’s a thousand times worse," Lind remarked.

Lind, along with some colleagues, is organizing a webinar to discuss the dos and don’ts of self-taping, aiming to help a broad audience. All funds raised from this webinar and other contributions will go to World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to feeding firefighters, evacuees, and residents in Los Angeles. The registration fee for the webinar is $30 per person, and participation or donations can be made online.

In these challenging times, community spirit and support shine through as both Shlesinger and Lind inspire others to contribute and help those in need.

fundraising, comedy, wildfires