Digital Cover celebrities© Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

celebrity charities

Paris Hilton aids Los Angeles wildfire victims; volunteers at animal shelter

The hotel heiress and philanthropist revealed that her cherished Malibu home had been reduced to ashes


Senior Writer
JANUARY 14, 2025 11:02 AM EST

Paris Hilton is channeling her heartbreak into action as she tirelessly works to support her community in the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. After the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted on Tuesday, January 7, the hotel heiress and philanthropist revealed that her cherished Malibu home had been reduced to ashes, a loss she witnessed in real time on television.  

“Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” Hilton wrote in an emotional Instagram post. She recounted the memories tied to the home, from her son Phoenix’s first steps to the dreams she and her husband, Carter Reum, held for their family’s future there. Despite the overwhelming loss, Hilton expressed gratitude that her loved ones and pets were safe, extending her thoughts and prayers to others affected by the tragedy.  

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: Paris Hilton is seen on August 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by fupp/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)© GC Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: Paris Hilton is seen on August 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by fupp/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

On January 10, Hilton shared footage of her destroyed property, showing the magnitude of the damage. Yet just two days later, she pivoted her focus to aiding those most impacted by the disaster. Heading to Pasadena, Hilton joined efforts to support displaced families and animals in need, partnering with organizations like the Pasadena Humane Society and Baby2Baby.  

Championing Animal Welfare

At the Pasadena Humane Society, Hilton took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the plight of pets separated from their owners during the wildfires. One post featured a cat without a collar found in Altadena, a region hit hard by the Eaton Fire. “Please share with anyone you know from the Altadena area so we can reconnect this baby with his owner! His animal ID is A519218,” she wrote, urging her followers to help spread the word.  

Hilton revealed that her nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, had contributed to the shelter’s efforts while raising additional funds to support displaced pets and their families. She encouraged others to donate or volunteer, emphasizing the vital role of community involvement during times of crisis.  

Hilton’s compassion extended to fostering a dog named Zuzu, whose family had to surrender her after losing their home. “Fostering is such an important way to help when you’re able to—if you can, please consider giving a temporary or permanent home to animals in need,” she said.  

© Getty Images
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - JUNE 28: Paris Hilton poses with her dog at "Extra" at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 28, 2018 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

Emergency Relief for Families  

Beyond her work with animals, Hilton partnered with Baby2Baby to assist displaced families. Her Instagram carousel on January 13 showcased moments of her and Reum delivering essential items and gifts to families staying at the Hilton in Montebello, California. “My heart goes out to them,” she wrote, sharing the joy of bringing comfort and smiles to those affected.  

To further her impact, Hilton launched an emergency fund through 11:11 Media Impact to provide relief for families with young children. She started with a personal donation of $100,000 and pledged to match additional contributions up to the same amount. Within three days, the fund had already raised over $600,000, intending to reach $1 million to deliver cash assistance, housing, and essential supplies to those in need.  

Raising Awareness and Gratitude

While working on the ground, Hilton used her platform to bring attention to the ongoing wildfires and the devastation they’ve caused. She praised the efforts of firefighters and first responders, calling them “true heroes” for their bravery.  

© Apu Gomes
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire while it burns homes on the Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The fast-moving wildfire has grown to more than 2900-acres and is threatening homes in the coastal neighborhood amid intense Santa Ana Winds and dry conditions in Southern California.

The wildfires, fueled by extreme weather conditions and dry terrain, have left thousands displaced and inflicted catastrophic damage. Experts estimate economic losses exceeding $50 billion, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ash. Hilton’s efforts, alongside countless others, aim to bring hope and relief to communities grappling with unimaginable loss.  

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.