She had just lost her own beloved dogs. And instead of turning inward, she turned outward, toward every animal that needed help.
In November 2018, as the devastating Hill and Woolsey fires tore through Ventura County, California, rescue teams from the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) were working around the clock to save horses, bulls, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and countless other animals from the flames.
That work caught the attention of actress Sandra Bullock.
On Sunday morning, November 11, the HSVC received a $100,000 donation from Sandra Bullock and her family, announced that evening in a Facebook post the shelter described as one that left them “deeply humbled.”
“Our efforts for rescuing and caring for evacuated animals from the Hill and Woolsey fires had caught her attention and her team reached out to show their support,” HSVC staff wrote.
What makes the gesture even more remarkable is the timing. Sandra had recently suffered the heartbreak of losing her own dogs. She knew firsthand what it felt like to lose an animal companion.
And rather than keeping that grief private, she channeled it into action for animals she had never met and families she would never know.
“This time she wanted to contribute to those on the frontline rescuing animals in peril and hope others will choose to do the same,” the shelter wrote.
Her donation allowed the HSVC to provide round-the-clock care for evacuated animals for as long as needed, until their owners could safely bring them home again.
Sandra was not alone in stepping up. Actress and longtime Malibu resident Victoria Principal, through The Victoria Principal Foundation For Thoughtful Existence, also donated across multiple organizations: $100,000 to the Red Cross for fire victims, $20,000 to the Humane Society for animals, $20,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, and $20,000 to the Los Angeles Fireman’s Fund to provide hydration and supplies for firefighters battling the Woolsey Fire.
When the world is on fire, some people reach for their wallets and their hearts at the same time.
Source:
1. people – “Sandra Bullock Donates $100,000 to California Humane Society to Help Animals Affected by the Wildfires”
2. cnn – “Sandra Bullock donates $100,000 to help save animals from California fires”