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Snap CEO's Mission: Helping LA Rebuild Post-Wildfire
15 Oct
Summary
- Spiegel and Kerr helped erase $550 million in medical debt for Californians.
- Spiegel's childhood home was destroyed in the January 2025 wildfires.
- A health study was launched to assess wildfire exposure effects.
Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel and model Miranda Kerr have been honored for their substantial philanthropic work, including erasing $550 million in medical debt for over 261,000 Californians.
Spiegel, recognized at the 8th annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, stressed the ongoing need for aid to Los Angeles wildfire survivors. He noted that many residents are still awaiting federal assistance following the devastating January 2025 wildfires.
The wildfires had a profound personal impact on Spiegel, as his childhood home, where Snapchat was conceived, was destroyed. Through the Department of Angels, he supports wildfire survivors and advocates for their needs.
Additionally, the Spiegel Family Fund supported the launch of a health study to examine the immediate and long-term consequences of exposure to the fires, aiming to provide answers about safety for returning residents.
Kerr highlighted the initiative to relieve medical debt as a way to ease financial burdens for families so they can focus on healing. Spiegel also shared a touching anecdote about a staff member whose mother was directly impacted by the debt relief.
The couple actively involves their children in charitable activities, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion. Spiegel hopes to teach his children the importance of using their good fortune to help others.
