CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION
Standing Together in a Time of Need
SAVE Card Value Increased
The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive in California’s history. Whole towns were wiped out by fast-moving infernos, forcing families to leave behind their homes and the lives they once knew. The devastation left many victims with nothing, but the clothes on their backs.
In the aftermath of this adversity, the California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program was a beacon of hope. Well over 10,000 SAVE gift cards were offered to those who suffered substantial property loss, totaling more than $2.6 million in assistance.
Now, thanks to its donors, the Foundation is able to do even more to help every fire victim. The Foundation has announced that it is permanently increasing the value of SAVE gift cards from $100 to $250.
Through the SAVE program, firefighters can provide on-site assistance through a Mastercard gift card to individuals in a time when they need it most. When it was created in 2014, SAVE was designed to give a hand up to those who suffered losses in a structure fire or natural disaster. As the program has developed, SAVE cards have become a way for frontline firefighters to provide immediate financial relief to victims on their worst day at no cost to the fire department.
In the aftermath of the 2018 fires, an outpouring of contributions from donors around the world made it possible for the Foundation to temporarily increase the value of SAVE cards to $250 for those who were victimized by the Camp and Woolsey Fires of 2018. As the contributions have continued, the Foundation has been able to make this temporary increase permanent.
The SAVE card increase is a direct result of the commitment of volunteers, donors and communities united in healing and restoring their beloved towns. This program has changed lives by offering a hand up to families on their darkest day. The aftermath of wildfire damage was devastating, but the outpouring of support showed the strength of Californians coming together to help neighbors throughout the state.
“The SAVE card increase means more than just extra funds to purchase groceries or clothing,” said Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation. “It provides victims with the comfort of knowing that they are not alone and hope for tomorrow.”