CFU Responds to Raging Wildfires in California
PITTSBURGH, PA – In light of the horrific wildfires raging in the Los Angeles, California area, the Croatian Fraternal Union has initiated a Humanitarian Relief Effort to extend financial support to the many CFU members and families and others affected by the devastating fires which have claimed lives, homes and neighborhoods, displacing tens of thousands of residents. Fires have already burned thousands of acres and leveled record numbers of homes, businesses and structures, wiping out communities in the path of the flames and causing untold damage throughout the region. Engulfing neighborhoods and continuing to wreak devastation, the deadly wildfires continue to burn uncontrolled in several areas of the Los Angeles area as firefighters from all parts of the country are risking their lives to battle the blazing countryside.
Reportedly becoming one of the deadliest natural disasters in the city’s history, the Los Angeles wildfires, spurred on by the dangerous Santa Ana winds, are spreading a path of unimaginable destruction. In addition to the thousands of people displaced from their homes–with no homes to return to–thousands more remain without power and under mandatory evacuation orders. The news is staggering as the carnage continues, leaving people helpless and hopeless as countless lives are upended.
The CFU Executive Board has declared a Humanitarian Aid Appeal to assist the victims of this terrible disaster. Our Society will accept monetary donations through March 31, 2025 to assist those in need. Checks may be made payable to CFU Humanitarian Fund and directed to: Edward W. Pazo/National President, Croatian Fraternal Union, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
The Society has initiated the special humanitarian drive with a $1,000 contribution, followed by all three Executive Officers each donating $100 to the fund. All donations received will be reported in a special column for this purpose in the Zajedničar. A coupon for this fund appears elsewhere in this issue.
We pray for all who have been affected by the California wildfires, especially those communities where many CFU members reside and work, and pray for the safety of all persons, including the brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to save lives, homes and property of the multitude of residents in the Los Angeles area.
Edward W. Pazo/National President
Bernadette M. Luketich-Sikaras/National Secretary/Treasurer
Franjo Bertović/Executive Vice President
