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Every week, Oprah is setting an intention exclusively for Oprah Daily Insiders, with reflections on topics like letting go, forgiveness, coming into your own, and more.
Hello, Insiders.
I said I was going to figure out the infrastructure, we were working on the infrastructure. I didn’t figure it out—it was a whole team of us working on the infrastructure for this idea of giving money directly to the people of Maui who needed it.
This idea came from a story I read about Dolly Parton, who did the same thing in Gatlinburg when the fires destroyed so many homes there, and she called it My People’s Fund and was able to give people money for six months. And so we’re following in Dolly’s footsteps, not able to wear her shoes, those high heels, but following in Dolly’s footsteps.
When I heard this idea, I shared it with “the Rock,” Dwayne Johnson, because he and I had been talking about what can we do, and he said, “Great idea.” And so we have put together the team. The infrastructure is in place for your donations now to help the people be able to have their own money, have their own agency, in making decisions about what matters to them at this time.
This isn’t going to solve all the problems, but it certainly will help to be a bridge in people’s lives at this moment. As I’ve gone around to shelters and talked to people about what they need, they don’t need a lot of red tape. They just need to be able to have access to funds, and so that’s what this fund is intended to do. And I’m calling on all of you Insiders who’ve asked me how you can help. You’ve been so empathetic about what’s gone on here and sending us your prayers. We appreciate your prayers. We also would much appreciate a donation to the People’s Fund of Maui.
Dwayne and I put in $10 million to start the fund. We want to continue for as long as we can, certainly as long as six months, giving each family $1,200—not just each family but each individual who is over 18 who has been distressed by this. We hope to make it to six months and even more. So that’s going to depend on your donations and your support.
I look forward to you clicking below and helping us out for the People’s Fund of Maui. Thank you.
