Chinmaya Mission Donates $40,000 to Support LA Wildfire Victims

Written on 04/18/2025

Image Credit: Chinmaya Mission

Los Angeles, CA — In response to the devastating wildfires sweeping across Southern California, Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles (CMLA) and Chinmaya Mission Bakersfield have jointly donated $40,000 to the Los Angeles Mission. This contribution aims to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by the fires. 

 

Key Facts:

  • Donation Amount: $40,000

  • Donor Organizations: Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles and Chinmaya Mission Bakersfield

  • Recipient: Los Angeles Mission

 

On April 11, 2025, a delegation from CMLA, led by Swami Ishwarananda and Brahmacharini Sandhya Chaitanya, visited the Los Angeles Mission to present the donation. They were welcomed by Interim CEO Dennis Oleesky, who provided a tour of the facilities, including the chapel and the kitchen where over 1,000 meals are prepared daily for those in need.

During the visit, the Los Angeles Mission honored Chinmaya Mission with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, accepted by Swami Ishwarananda on behalf of all members. This recognition highlights the Mission's longstanding commitment to community service and support. 

The Los Angeles Mission acknowledged the impact of Chinmaya Mission's contribution with a heartfelt message: "They’ve brought joy. Now they’ve brought hope. Today, Chinmaya Mission returned with a $40,000 donation to support wildfire survivors across LA."

 

Do You Know? The Los Angeles Mission prepares over 1,000 meals daily to serve the unhoused and those affected by disasters, providing not just food but also shelter, counseling, and job training programs. 

 

Key Terms:

  • Chinmaya Mission: A global Hindu spiritual organization founded by Swami Chinmayananda, focusing on spiritual growth, community service, and education.

  • Los Angeles Mission: A nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless and those in need in Los Angeles through comprehensive services including meals, shelter, and rehabilitation programs.

  • Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award: An honor recognizing individuals or organizations that have contributed over 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime, promoting community engagement and volunteerism.