See how the industry is helping those affected by the California wildfires

LOS ANGELES – The world has been captivated by the horrible events of the past week in Los Angeles, as lives and homes have been lost to the ongoing wildfires.

Multiple home furnishings organizations have already started initiatives to collect donations or are promoting local charities.

Andmore, Dallas Market Center and Emerald Expositions are partnering with Gift for Life to host at-market fundraising events and provide direct donation opportunities. Andmore has launched a “United for California” campaign, which includes a $10,000 donation to World Central Kitchen — which is already providing on-the-ground relief — on-campus signage and donation QR codes across its Atlanta and Las Vegas market campuses, along with additional tenant outreach to drive support.

“The team at World Central Kitchen is committed to helping those impacted by the wildfires, and the support from the gift and home industry is invaluable in ensuring we can provide relief where it’s needed most,” said Matthew Tripsas, director of community fundraising for World Central Kitchen. “Every dollar donated during these markets helps deliver fresh meals, water and comfort to the communities in crisis.”

Dallas Market Center has launched a social media campaign to raise money, and NY NOW, in addition to a social media campaign and onsite signage promoting wildfire relief efforts, is planning a Gift for Life-connected, at-market Happy Hour on Sunday, Feb. 2, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. In addition, Andmore’s Shoppe Object is planning a fundraiser that runs Feb. 2-4 at New York City’s Starrett-Lehigh Building.

WestEdge Design Fair is supporting its charitable partner, Hollywood Food Coalition, which “is continuing to serve those in need, including fire victims,” said Megan Reilly, co-founder. It will also send out an e-blast to support the Hollywood Food Coalition and nonprofits A Sense of Home and Venice Family Clinic. “These are all organizations that we have a history with and have supported throughout the years,” Reilly added. WestEdge Design also has a list of in-person volunteer opportunities on its Instagram account.

Savvy Giving by Design, a nonprofit that designs interiors for children and their families, aims to support 100 kids with its new Go to Your Room (#GTYR) initiative. With such items as cozy blankets and journals, its GTYR boxes “bring comfort, healing and hope to kids who’ve lost so much,” it said on its IG page, which includes a link to donate.

Sculpture lighting firm Thomas Cooper Studio, whose employees have been affected by the wildfires, with one family losing everything, will raise money for World Central Kitchen, LA Fire Department Foundation and Pasadena Humane Society at its Luminaires + Luminaries Open House on Jan. 29, which will include raffles of art- and design-related prizes. It is also pledging 100% of profits from its Murano bulb sales in January to wildfire relief.

The WAC Lighting California facility and team members are safe and out of harm’s way. But to help support others, WAC Lighting will match each donation to the American Red Cross dollar for dollar. This means all donations will be doubled, increasing their impact. The matching program will be available through Monday, Jan. 20. The company aims to raise $50,000 in total donations. After donating, please email your receipt to giveback@waclighting.com to ensure it is matched. The company will be updating its progress toward the goal daily on its website.

While rebuilding is a long way off, several organizations have already offered help with design and furnishings. The Expert has launched a Rebuild Hotline offering free one-hour video calls to those who lost their homes in the wildfires. The site is compiling a list of architects and contractors who are ready to assist.

Design firm House of Honey has a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles with new or gently used furnishings, which it will give to people affected by the wildfires through its Soft Landing Project initiative. It is expecting a truckload of more items from Arizona designers, organized by Jaimee Rose Interiors. To donate, email the firm at softlanding@houseofhoney.com with the specific items, quantities and photos if available.

Lucas Studio, a residential interior design firm in Los Angeles, and its to-the-trade showroom Harbinger are collecting donations of furniture, lighting, textiles, art, carpets, window treatments and more. Contact Joe Lucas at joe@lucasstudioinc.com.

We will continue to add to this list as we hear of other donation opportunities.