Regarding the L.A. Fires

Hello,

I want to take a moment to address the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area… Several of my lifelong friends have lost their homes and all of their possessions as a result.

This hits close to home for me. When I was 17, my family and I lost our house in a forest fire. I understand firsthand the devastation that follows and how vital it is for communities to come together to help those in need.

With that in mind, I’ve been in touch with several fellow artists and streamers, and I’m hoping to share some news soon about ways we plan to support those impacted.

When the time comes, I’m confident that our community of artists—and all of you—will band together to help!

Thank you and please keep those affected by the fires in your thoughts. Let’s continue to look out for one another, lend a hand wherever we can and do our part to put some beauty back into the world!

Many, many people are going to need it.

– Aaron

The first small step I am taking is that a portion of ALL Sales this weekend are being set aside for disaster relief efforts. This is just a first step… more news soon.

 

Also, if you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires the information below may be useful. We will be adding to this page periodically.

  1. Entertainment Community Fund is offering financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals who have earned at least $10,000/yr at least three of the last six years. Apply Here
  2. Airbnb is providing emergency housing for those displaced by the fires. They have partnered with 211 LA. You can learn more and find a free place to stay Here.
  3. FEMA is offering assistance to those who have lost their homes or in need of help. You can apply Here.
  4. In a Position to Help? CartoonBrew Has Been Compiling a List of people in the animation industry in need of aid Here.
  5. The Animation Guild has created a very useful page of resources (https://animationguild.org/disaster-relief-resources) available to victims of these disasters. In addition, ASIFA-Hollywood administers the Animation Aid Foundation (https://www.asifa-hollywood.org/about-us/animation-aid-foundation). Its resources can be used to assist those in need.
  6. Animation Magazine: List of fundraisers for Animation Professionals who lost their homes to the fires: https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/01/numerous-fundraisers-set-up-for-animation-professionals-who-lost-their-homes-in-the-l-a-fires/
  7. Animation Magazine: List of Resources, Closures & Event Cancellations: https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/01/l-a-fires-resources-closures-event-cancellations/
  8. José Andrés World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org
  9. The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery: Fund: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund
  10. Pasadena Humane Society: https://pasadenahumane.org
  11. LA Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.org
  12. American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2025/red-cross-helping-in-southern-california-as-wildfires-force-thousands-from-their-homes.html
  13. Google Spreadsheet with Updated Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY
Avatar photo

About Aaron Blaise

For 21 years Aaron worked with Disney helping to create some of the greatest animated films ever made. During that time he worked as an animator or supervising animator on "The Rescuers Down Under", "Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin", "The Lion King", "Pocahontas", "Mulan" and more. In 2003 he was co-director of "Brother Bear" for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. After "Brother Bear" he helped to develop several projects but ultimately left Disney to pursue an opportunity back home in Florida. Aaron recently served as 2D Animation Supervisor and Character Designer for the "The Bear and the Hare" an advertisement loved by millions around the world. He is currently also working on a new animated short film, once again involving bears called "Snow Bear".

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *