Sony, the PlayStation manufacturer, has contributed $5 million to aid first responders, community recovery, and rebuilding efforts in Southern California, which is currently battling devastating wildfires. The contribution also supports assistance programs for those impacted by the blazes.
In a joint statement on X/Twitter, Kenichiro Yoshida (Chairman and CEO) and Hiroki Totoki (President and COO) emphasized Sony's long-standing connection to Los Angeles, stating, "Los Angeles has been the home of our entertainment business for more than 35 years... We will continue to work with local business leadership to determine how best Sony Group can support relief and recovery efforts in the days ahead."
The wildfires, which began on January 7th, continue to wreak havoc across the Los Angeles area, even a week later. The BBC reports at least 24 fatalities and 23 individuals remain missing in the two largest affected areas. Firefighters are preparing for challenging conditions as winds are forecast to intensify.
Sony's donation is part of a larger corporate response to the crisis. CNBC reports that other companies have also made significant contributions, including Disney ($15 million), Netflix and Comcast ($10 million each), the NFL ($5 million), Walmart ($2.5 million), and Fox ($1 million).
