Nina Dobrev, the 36-year-old actress, has made a heartfelt plea to her followers to support families devastated by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. In a poignant Instagram video posted on January 19th, Dobrev expressed her deep sorrow and “sick to [her] stomach” feeling regarding the widespread destruction and displacement caused by the fires. Having been among the tens of thousands evacuated from her home on her birthday, January 9th, she described the experience as a stark contrast to her birthday plans, highlighting the unexpected and jarring nature of the disaster. While her own home was spared, Dobrev emphasized the widespread devastation and the profound impact on those who lost everything. She acknowledged her own sense of survivor’s guilt, knowing that while she was fortunate, many others were facing unimaginable loss.
The core of Dobrev’s message was a call to action, urging her followers to provide financial assistance to the affected families. She shared a link in her Instagram bio that directs to a spreadsheet containing GoFundMe pages for numerous families who lost their homes in the fires. Dobrev emphasized the immediate need for financial support to help these families begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives and homes. She specifically highlighted the Pacific Palisades and the Altadena-Pasadena communities as areas in dire need of assistance. Having personally donated to these GoFundMe campaigns for her birthday, she implored her followers to contribute as well, regardless of the amount.
Dobrev’s plea resonated with empathy, as she vividly described the profound loss experienced by those whose homes were reduced to ashes. She painted a picture of families losing not just their physical possessions, but also their cherished memories, their sense of security, and, in some cases, even their insurance coverage. The actress emphasized the immeasurable tragedy and the difficulty in comprehending the sheer scale of devastation faced by these families. Her own heart, she confessed, was broken into “a million pieces” for those impacted by the fires. She concluded her video by offering her thoughts and prayers to all those affected, underscoring the emotional toll of the disaster.
In her Instagram caption, Dobrev reiterated the immeasurable and heartbreaking devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires, framing her appeal as her sole birthday wish. She encouraged her followers to join her in supporting the families listed in the linked Google document, emphasizing her own contributions to the cause. She also drew attention to a dedicated section within the document specifically for Black families and other historically marginalized groups in the Altadena community, who have been disproportionately affected by the fires. This acknowledgment highlighted the uneven impact of disasters and the importance of directing aid to the most vulnerable communities.
Dobrev’s call to action extended beyond financial contributions, advocating for continued support throughout the long and challenging road to recovery. She recognized that rebuilding lives and homes would be a protracted process, requiring ongoing support and assistance. Her use of the hashtag #LosAngelesfires further amplified her message, connecting it to the broader conversation surrounding the disaster and facilitating the spread of information and support. The actress’s personal experience with the evacuation order, coupled with her genuine concern for the affected families, lent a powerful and compelling dimension to her appeal.
By sharing her own experience and expressing her deep empathy for those affected, Dobrev transformed a personal birthday wish into a collective call for action. Her message served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis, particularly in providing financial assistance to those who have lost everything. Her emphasis on the long-term recovery process underscored the ongoing need for support and the enduring impact of such disasters. The inclusion of resources and links to GoFundMe pages further facilitated concrete action, empowering her followers to contribute directly to the recovery efforts. Dobrev’s message resonated with sincerity and compassion, effectively mobilizing her platform to provide tangible support to those in need.
