Ciara and Russel Wilson (Getty Images)
Their Why Not You Foundation has committed $250,000 to The Salvation Army of Spokane, with the money aimed at both urgent relief and longer-term support. The $250,000 donation arrives as Spokane County and other parts of Eastern Washington work through the damage left by the 2026 wildfires. A preliminary assessment found that the fires destroyed Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines 649 primary residences , damaged another 2,542 homes and burned nearly 369,000 acres across affected areas. More than 65,000 people were evacuated, while hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Because recovery does not end when evacuation orders are lifted, that wider reach matters. The donation therefore extends beyond immediate wildfire relief.
Captain David Cain, director of The Salvation Army of Spokane, said the contribution gives the organisation room to respond to changing needs. “This gift allows us to respond to families who have been impacted by the wildfires while also ensuring that families who are struggling can access support throughout the year,” Cain said. “Whether a family has lost something because of a wildfire, is struggling to put food on the table, is worried about sending their children back to school, or simply needs a little help getting through the holidays, this investment will make a tangible difference” Cain said.
Russell Wilson and Ciara are stepping in to help Spokane families facing the long road back after a devastating wildfire season. The donation comes as communities continue dealing with destroyed homes, evacuations, financial pressure and disrupted services. Rather than limiting the gift to emergency response, the foundation’s contribution will also help families access food, child care, education and other essential programmes in the months ahead. The Salvation Army will use the funding to respond to families affected by the fires while continuing services for people facing hardship throughout the year. The money will support several programmes, including the Hope Market Food Bank and Family Resource Center, After the Bell after-school services, and back-to-school, summer camp and Christmas assistance. It will also help Sally’s House and Evangeline’s House, which provide emergency foster care for children arriving from unsafe or abusive homes. Families can face new costs long after a fire has passed, from replacing essentials to finding stable care and getting children back into normal routines. The scale of the disaster underlines why donations such as the Wilsons’ are important. Spokane County suffered some of the heaviest losses. Essential services, healthcare and utilities were also disrupted. Cain stressed that the foundation’s investment can reach families dealing with very different challenges. It gives The Salvation Army additional resources to keep helping families as Spokane moves from emergency response toward rebuilding and recovery. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.