Shohei Ohtani Stands LA Strong with $500k Donation

Shohei Ohtani’s $500,000 donation to wildfire relief sends a powerful message of solidarity, as the Dodgers star stands “LA Strong” with victims, firefighters, and animals impacted by the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires.

Shohei Ohtani’s $500k Donation Supporting LA Wildfire Relief

Ohtani, 30, donated 25 percent of the $2 million the Dodgers paid to him a season ago.

Here’s a translation of the post he made on Instagram in Japanese Thursday afternoon.

“Thank you to all the firefighters who continue to fight the fires in LA. We will donate $500,000 to these firefighters, people forced to live in evacuation centers, and animals in need of assistance. The Los Angeles Dodgers also work together wwith teams from other sports to support activities such as sell t-shirts. I hope you will consider this. I sincerely hope for a speedy recovery,” Ohtani said on Instagram.

Ohtani included links to the LA Strong t-shirt campaign, California Wildlife Recovery Fund, Pasadena Humane Society, Canine Rescue Club and Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Devastating Impact of the Palisades and Eaton Fires

As of 8 p.m. PT, the Palisades fire was 27 percent contained, up from 22 percent early Thursday morning. It has burned 23,713 acres, according to the Los Angeles Times. This fire has also claimed 3,328 structures, and damaged 591 other structures. Totals are expected to rise.

Ten people have been confirmed dead from the Palisades fire.

The Eaton fire was 55 percent contained as of 6:20 a.m. PT Thursday morning, up from 45 percent early Wednesday. It has burned 14,117 acres, destroyed 6,782 structures, and damaged 773 more.

Seventeen people have been confirmed dead from the Eaton fire.

How You Can Join Ohtani and Help LA Recover

Your Turn: Have you ordered your LA Strong t-shirt? Or have you helped the wildfire cause in a different way? Tell us below in the comments!