Return to News For Immediate Release: Dec 06, 2022

California Fire Foundation Receives $200,000 AT&T Foundation Grant

Funding supports Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program


SACRAMENTO, Dec. 8, 2022 — The California Fire Foundation received $200,000 in grant funding from the AT&T Foundation to support immediate, short-term relief to survivors of disasters to meet their basic needs such as food and clothing.


The California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program brings immediate, short-term relief to survivors of fire or other natural disasters throughout California. Working together with the California Fire Foundation, firefighters throughout California distribute gift cards to eligible survivors of fire or other natural disasters, so they may purchase necessities such as medicine, food and clothing.


“We are extremely grateful for the AT&T Foundation’s generous grant to the California Fire Foundation," said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. "Having their support ensures the California Fire Foundation can aid more Californians when they are heavily impacted by disaster.”


The AT&T Foundation grant enables firefighters to immediately impact the lives of families who’ve experienced a house fire or other disaster. The goal is to show compassion and ease the stress and trauma of a crisis.


“We witness first-hand the devastation and trauma people are experiencing when they come through our doors but the SAVE cards from the California Fire Foundation are like sending angels to allow us to help others,” said Cathy Rahmeyer, Director of Operations at the Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center.


California’s severe wildfires take an enormous toll on both affected local communities and the firefighters who are tasked with repelling the blazes. During the past five years, California has averaged more than 7,746 fires annually, burning an average of 2.1 million acres per year. These record-breaking blazes put tens of thousands of citizens under threat and burned hundreds of homes. In addition, prolonged wildfire seasons are placing greater burdens on the firefighters who are experiencing an uptick in stress and other mental health crises as a result.


AT&T is committed to supporting our customers and firefighters across California in the face of wildfires. AT&T works in close collaboration with California’s first responders to prepare for disasters and help the network be resilient and operational when disaster strikes. FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is making public safety’s mission the priority. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built specifically for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. FirstNet helps first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.


“We are honored to support the CFF and their efforts to help those in need, beyond the emergency response they’re trained for,” said Marc Blakeman, President – AT&T California. “Being able to help those who have suffered unimaginable loss is a small but meaningful way we can lessen the burden and we’re privileged to partner with CFF.”


The $200,000 AT&T Foundation grant is part of AT&T’s philanthropic giving efforts to support our local communities. We invest our company’s resources and knowledge to advance access to education and training, improve lives, and strengthen the communities in which we live and work.


To learn more, visit: https://www.cafirefoundation.org


About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company-wide $2 billion commitment from 2021-2024 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity, technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

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For more information, contact:
Chris Collins
AT&T
469.260-8885
cc7528@att.com