Page 15 | Sussexes statement about Californian wildfires

PrettyFlyforaMaiTai · 2025-01-09T19:47:37+00:00

Meghan and Harry have released a statement in regards to the California wildfire via their Sussex.com website. It reads: ”In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas: *Support* Organizations such as José Andrés’ _[[https://wck.org/ World Central Kitchen]]_, which has been a longtime partner of _[[https://archewell.org/ The Archewell Foundation]]_, are serving meals to both first responders and victims of the fire. _[[https://www.fire.ca.gov/ CAL FIRE]]_ and _[[https://supportlafd.kindful.com/ LA Fire Department Foundation]]_ and others are working closely to support firefighters who risk their lives, bravely showing up in these high-risk environments to help save homes, families, and communities in need. _[[https://www.animalwellnessfoundation.org/ Animal Wellness Foundation]]_ is continuing to house and care for animals evacuated by the fires while _[[https://www.instagram.com/comptoncowboys/?hl=en Compton Cowboys]]_ is providing emergency transportation services for horses. _[[https://care.211cs.org/public-survey/86c5adf88e2a29c103df24ba5f48cd3f6cf9a9171207a15954dbb8b9649429f0 Airbnb and 211LA]]_ have partnered to provide free, temporary housing for those who have been displaced. _[[https://baby2baby.org/ Baby2baby]]_ is providing essential supplies including diapers, clothing, hygiene products, and emergency kits to families in need. _[[https://www.instagram.com/allpowerbooks/?hl=en All Power Books]]_ and many others are staying open for emergency use, offering supplies and water for pickup while working tirelessly to distribute essentials to those affected. *Open your home * If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. *Give back * Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The _[[https://www.fire.ca.gov/ American Red Cross]]_ is on the ground helping those in need.”

Baital · 11/01/2025 13:57

Possibly the areas that were closer turned down their request.

Rhaidimiddim · 11/01/2025 14:02

itsstillmehere · 11/01/2025 11:52

"
What is so wrong about him bringing those skills to a local disaster? I am sure he is better at it than most! "

Maybe he can use his hands to outline the shape of a house to them or suggest they give a name to their missing house.

111 miles is not local.
111 miles with how many vehicles when you count the bodyguards, distresses locals, othe staff?
An unnecessary carbon footprint.

EdithWeston · 11/01/2025 14:03

So what is her/their link to Pasadena then?

Given that they had to drive past the sites of other fires and other World Kitchen centres to get there.

itsstillmehere · 11/01/2025 15:07

CurlewKate · 11/01/2025 13:54

@itsstillmehere "It's still the furthest away from where they live"

Is it? Fair enough. I don't know much about LA geography.

Google maps is your friend.

CurlewKate · 11/01/2025 15:09

@itsstillmehere

"Google maps is your friend"

It would be-if I cared that much. I'll leave that to you.

WhiskersOnKittens2 · 11/01/2025 15:13

Chuchoter · 11/01/2025 10:26

This is their modus operandi. Acting like they’re world experts on all topics, the providers of correct information, the fount of all knowledge, and that the little people need guidance from them.

A photo opportunity for hugging and handing out a few food parcels, grinning with satisfaction that their being there will resolve the problem of these people who lost everything!

This is just a piece of propaganda for the duo.

Meghan has her heart set on being Princess Di Mk II and has even taken to mimicking her with her hands on her hips pose.

This

MargaretThursday · 11/01/2025 15:46

Having been in a situation with sort of disaster relief we noticed among public figures there were two types.

The ones who phoned/emailed and said, "what can I do?" and did it, phoning back to tell us what they'd secured/donated and not wanting thanks. Or maybe they popped in to ask us - and ended up taking out a delivery because that's what we were short of. One came at a bad moment when we were out of something, apologised for coming at the wrong time, and an hour later a truck drew up with what we needed. It was only later that the company delivering mentioned it was this person who'd phoned and said "deliver all you have - I'll pay whatever." Others came in and just asked what to do and got on with it with everyone else. Some of these were berated later on SM for not helping, even though they'd been active and useful. These people did it because they were moved and wanted to help.
The ones who came in, wanted to be "shown round"- always by the most important figure. Stood in the way claiming they were doing something like packing boxes, but actually taking selfies, even though we had big notices up asking not to take photos - one published on SM a photo of themselves with an address label on of a vulnerable family, for example. They then left after about an hour and posted to their blogs, or live videos to FB telling how much work they had done. Once they'd got their publicity shots, we didn't see them again.

There were some who by their reputation I'd have expected one, and they did the other.
The first ones often sent a private letter to us thanking us for what we did when it was over.
The latter put on their SM a post congratulating themselves for being helpful. One of them still refers to that he "was instrumental" in setting it up when it suits him when he wants support

That is the difference between someone who wants to help in the best way possible and someone who wants to be seen to help for their popularity.

WhiskersOnKittens2 · 11/01/2025 15:53

MargaretThursday · 11/01/2025 15:46

Having been in a situation with sort of disaster relief we noticed among public figures there were two types.

The ones who phoned/emailed and said, "what can I do?" and did it, phoning back to tell us what they'd secured/donated and not wanting thanks. Or maybe they popped in to ask us - and ended up taking out a delivery because that's what we were short of. One came at a bad moment when we were out of something, apologised for coming at the wrong time, and an hour later a truck drew up with what we needed. It was only later that the company delivering mentioned it was this person who'd phoned and said "deliver all you have - I'll pay whatever." Others came in and just asked what to do and got on with it with everyone else. Some of these were berated later on SM for not helping, even though they'd been active and useful. These people did it because they were moved and wanted to help.
The ones who came in, wanted to be "shown round"- always by the most important figure. Stood in the way claiming they were doing something like packing boxes, but actually taking selfies, even though we had big notices up asking not to take photos - one published on SM a photo of themselves with an address label on of a vulnerable family, for example. They then left after about an hour and posted to their blogs, or live videos to FB telling how much work they had done. Once they'd got their publicity shots, we didn't see them again.

There were some who by their reputation I'd have expected one, and they did the other.
The first ones often sent a private letter to us thanking us for what we did when it was over.
The latter put on their SM a post congratulating themselves for being helpful. One of them still refers to that he "was instrumental" in setting it up when it suits him when he wants support

That is the difference between someone who wants to help in the best way possible and someone who wants to be seen to help for their popularity.

Interesting!

devilspawn · 11/01/2025 16:04

Rhaidimiddim · 11/01/2025 14:02

111 miles is not local.
111 miles with how many vehicles when you count the bodyguards, distresses locals, othe staff?
An unnecessary carbon footprint.

Show quote history

Or put it this way, they didn't have to travel an hour and a half to see what help and support they could give to people at a time of crisis when they were feeling ignored by the authorities and stressed.

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 16:23

Rhaidimiddim · 11/01/2025 14:02

111 miles is not local.
111 miles with how many vehicles when you count the bodyguards, distresses locals, othe staff?
An unnecessary carbon footprint.

Show quote history

We have no idea how many cars, of what type, fuel efficiency or fuel type – could be they drive electric vehicles anyway. Average CO2 footprint calculator says an average fuel consumption large car of unknown fuel type driving 111 miles creates 0.04 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

I’m all for bashing them for private jet usage or other unreasonable carbon consumption or journeys – flying to self-aggrandising prize ceremonies, or holding a baby shower in New York when she lived in London, for instance, but we can’t really lay the climate crisis at their feet for an 111-mile journey to help out in their home state. And we have no idea if they distressed the locals or if people were quite comforted to see them.

Original poster

PrettyFlyforaMaiTai · 11/01/2025 16:27

Slightly off topic…

Paris Hilton has launched an emergency fund via her non profit website to help those affected by and have lost their possessions to the fires. She is matching donations up to the amount of $100,000 as well as making her own personal contribution.

I thought it would be nice to copy the link here in case anyone does want to donate. Kudos to anyone who has already made a donation to any of the other emergency funds or charities. We can be a good bunch on here in situations like this even when we disagree 🥰

www.every.org/1111-media-impact/f/help-displaced-families

Sussexes statement about Californian wildfires

OP posts:

IcedPurple · 11/01/2025 16:32

And we have no idea if they distressed the locals or if people were quite comforted to see them.

People in a disaster struck California town were 'comforted' to see the 5th in line to the British throne and his former cable TV actress wife?

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 17:14

IcedPurple · 11/01/2025 16:32

And we have no idea if they distressed the locals or if people were quite comforted to see them.

People in a disaster struck California town were 'comforted' to see the 5th in line to the British throne and his former cable TV actress wife?

People going through trauma need to be listened to, and listened to more than once – it’s why people in horrific situations will often talk to reporters even when you’d think they wouldn’t. It takes multiple tellings of one’s story to help process it. I don’t think people give a shit about his title or her CV; I do think there’s comfort in having people there listening to them; I don’t see why their presence would be distressing. The events themselves are what’s distressing.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 11/01/2025 17:14

Baital · 11/01/2025 13:51

I was in Cape Town when a wildfire on Table Mountain couldn't be controlled, and 15,000 people list their homes - mostly informal buildings.

Various organisations - government and nonprofit - put out requests for items for the firefighters and those who had lost everything. There were collection points all over the city. People were asked not to travel to the affected areas, because the ladt thing the agencies with the expertise required was to be stuck in a traffic jam behind lots of grief vultures.

All fire stations in the city, for example, would take the donations and take them in bulk to be sorted and distributed.

There were established agencies - police, elected representatives, the city Disaster Management team etc - who had the expertise and working relationships and framework to track the situation and respond. The best thing the well meaning public can do is respond to their requests and not get in their way.

I slightly knew someone who worked in the Disaster Management team, it was interesting listening to him. Apparently there were 42 identified potential major disasters, including wildfire, aircraft crash at the airport, the nuclear power station up the road melting down etc.

The local agencies (police, fire etc) were responsible for the immediate/emergency response, they have the local knowledge and relationships. The Disaster management team were expected to be up to speed and leading the response 24-48 hours after the start of the crisis, at which point sleep deprivation will be kicking in with the local responders, and their decision making would impaired.

Isn't that why the RF (and government ministers etc) don't turn up in the immediate aftermath of a crisis?

Yes, because they have the sense to stay out of the bloody way!

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 11/01/2025 17:18

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 16:23

We have no idea how many cars, of what type, fuel efficiency or fuel type – could be they drive electric vehicles anyway. Average CO2 footprint calculator says an average fuel consumption large car of unknown fuel type driving 111 miles creates 0.04 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

I’m all for bashing them for private jet usage or other unreasonable carbon consumption or journeys – flying to self-aggrandising prize ceremonies, or holding a baby shower in New York when she lived in London, for instance, but we can’t really lay the climate crisis at their feet for an 111-mile journey to help out in their home state. And we have no idea if they distressed the locals or if people were quite comforted to see them.

Show quote history

If you'd just lost your home and all your worldly possessions - do you seriously think these two rocking up would be "comforting"???!!!

IcedPurple · 11/01/2025 17:19

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 17:14

People going through trauma need to be listened to, and listened to more than once – it’s why people in horrific situations will often talk to reporters even when you’d think they wouldn’t. It takes multiple tellings of one’s story to help process it. I don’t think people give a shit about his title or her CV; I do think there’s comfort in having people there listening to them; I don’t see why their presence would be distressing. The events themselves are what’s distressing.

Show quote history

They barely stayed 45 minutes, so couldn't have done that much 'listening'.

And the world's focus is on these events so it's not like they need random people to 'listen' to them. Maybe a few months later when the media have moved on? But that's not so good for photo op purposes.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 11/01/2025 17:19

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 17:14

People going through trauma need to be listened to, and listened to more than once – it’s why people in horrific situations will often talk to reporters even when you’d think they wouldn’t. It takes multiple tellings of one’s story to help process it. I don’t think people give a shit about his title or her CV; I do think there’s comfort in having people there listening to them; I don’t see why their presence would be distressing. The events themselves are what’s distressing.

Show quote history

I wonder how many people's "stories" they managed to listen to in 45 minutes??

EdithWeston · 11/01/2025 17:27

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 16:23

We have no idea how many cars, of what type, fuel efficiency or fuel type – could be they drive electric vehicles anyway. Average CO2 footprint calculator says an average fuel consumption large car of unknown fuel type driving 111 miles creates 0.04 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

I’m all for bashing them for private jet usage or other unreasonable carbon consumption or journeys – flying to self-aggrandising prize ceremonies, or holding a baby shower in New York when she lived in London, for instance, but we can’t really lay the climate crisis at their feet for an 111-mile journey to help out in their home state. And we have no idea if they distressed the locals or if people were quite comforted to see them.

Show quote history

I think the key point is not about this journey’s emissions

But that it was not necessary. There were closer affected areas and closer World Kitchen bases. There was simply no need to drive past those places, unless there was a compelling (but as yet disclosed) reason that it had to be Pasadena. There’s no obvious link that I’ve missed, is there?

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 17:28

OK, so we’ve established they can’t release a statement, because it’s pompous and how dare they. They can’t donate because it’s not enough. They can’t open their house to people because you don’t believe it. They can’t care about LA because they’re in Montecito. They can’t come to Pasadena because 111 miles. They can’t donate used clothing and toys even if other people are, because you don’t like them and think it’s cast-offs. But they can’t donate new, because new stuff contributes to the climate crisis. They can’t not say anything, though, because they’re in California and surely they should care!!1 They can’t stay too long because they’re in the way, stealing focus, hogging the attention, getting a tour from the mayor. But they can’t stay 45 minutes either, because it’s not long enough.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 11/01/2025 17:29

pelargoniums · 11/01/2025 17:28

OK, so we’ve established they can’t release a statement, because it’s pompous and how dare they. They can’t donate because it’s not enough. They can’t open their house to people because you don’t believe it. They can’t care about LA because they’re in Montecito. They can’t come to Pasadena because 111 miles. They can’t donate used clothing and toys even if other people are, because you don’t like them and think it’s cast-offs. But they can’t donate new, because new stuff contributes to the climate crisis. They can’t not say anything, though, because they’re in California and surely they should care!!1 They can’t stay too long because they’re in the way, stealing focus, hogging the attention, getting a tour from the mayor. But they can’t stay 45 minutes either, because it’s not long enough.

They could have rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into actually helping.

It's very hard not to be cynical given their background.

Pleasantree · 11/01/2025 17:32

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 11/01/2025 17:18

If you'd just lost your home and all your worldly possessions - do you seriously think these two rocking up would be "comforting"???!!!

Show quote history

Probably a welcome diversion …

IcedPurple · 11/01/2025 17:35

OK, so we’ve established they can’t release a statement, because it’s pompous and how dare they.

Releasing a 'statement' from an 'office' which doesn't actually exist is massively pompous and pretentious, so yes, we have established that.

But they can’t stay 45 minutes either, because it’s not long enough.

If their aim, as you suggested, is purely to 'listen' then yes, 45 minutes isn't going to do much, especially as you spent a multiple of that time travelling there.

I haven't commented on any of the other things you mentioned.

EdithWeston · 11/01/2025 17:36

OK, so we’ve established they can’t release a statement, because it’s pompous and how dare they

The statement didn’t have to be pompous.

The elements which made it come across that way to some were entirely their choice of presentation and language.

It seems their communications office is a bit lacking as they have only M’s insta and the over grandiose ‘from the office of’ for joint use. They need additional, better options.

They can’t go to Pasadena

I think this is because it is inexplicable why they drive past the fires close to where they actually live, ditto World Kitchen feeding stations. Why Pasadena?

Viviennemary · 11/01/2025 17:41

Why are they releasing 'statements'. Are they politicians? Representatives of anybody? The silly pair have no concept of their present position.

IcedPurple · 11/01/2025 17:42

It seems their communications office is a bit lacking as they have only M’s insta and the over grandiose ‘from the office of’ for joint use. They need additional, better options

They currently have the Archewell website, the 'Office of the Duke and Duchess' site, and now Meghan's Instragram.

Why do they need another 'joint' media outlet? Didn't we get all those hints about their 'professional separation'? How many couples have 'joint' social media? It just seems like a relic of their royal days, but they are no longer working royals.

The grandiosity is the whole point.