California wildfires: Matthew McConaughey cooks and delivers meals for first responders
Actor helped prepare turkey dinners for firefighters and the homeless
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matthew McConaughey has helped prepare and deliver 1,600 turkey dinners for first responders and homeless individuals affected by the California wildfires.
The Oscar-winning actor, working with disaster relief organisation Operation BBQ Relief and volunteers from Wild Turkey Bourbon, prepared 800 dinners for firefighters tackling the blazes currently ravaging the state.
They also prepared a further 800 dinners, which were then distributed to homeless shelters.
McConaughey, who is the creative director of Wild Turkey Bourbon, said in a statement that the charity event was already planned to take place this weekend to celebrate First Responders Day. The recent wildfires, however, had given the event greater urgency.
“Little did we know when planning this annual event that California, my second home, would once again be hit with devastating fires,” McConaughey said.
“We are grateful to be here today to say thank you, shine a light on their unwavering conviction, and hopefully inspire others to get involved and help in their own communities.”
More than 198,000 acres of land have been destroyed in wildfires across California this year, with 115 structures razed to the ground in the last 10 days. Three people have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the most recent fires.
Today (3 November), Donald Trump threatened to cut off emergency funding to California for the second time in 11 months, telling city governor Gavin Newsom to “get his act together” over the fires.
As well as starring in Harmony Korine’s hedonistic comedy The Beach Bum, McConaughey was recently recruited as a professor of practice in the department of radio, film and television at the University of Texas.
He will teach students about the making of his own films, including Mud and the forthcoming Guy Ritchie comedy The Gentlemen.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments