Dwayne Johnson Makes Massive Donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund
Dwayne Johnson has made a lofty donation for the striking SAG-AFTRA members who may need financial assistance in their strike against major studios and companies that employ them, according to Variety.
Earlier this month, the members of SAG-AFTRA went on strike for better wages and to fight against A.I. robbing them of making money through their own intellectual properties. Once the strike was declared, many actors who are not making superstar money had to face the reality of not working and losing money for as long as the strike goes on.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation (a non-profit organization) was created to assist and provide financial relief to those who face a financial shortfall due to lack of work. Members are able to access funds via the foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Johnson donated an undisclosed amount but it was a major boost to the emergency fund.
The president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, esteemed actor, Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors. In the communication, they stated the need for financial assistance for the actors with the smaller roles who can’t afford to be out of work.
Johnson’s team immediately answered the call.
“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,’” Vance told “The Rock” when they spoke about his donation. “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.”
Johnson’s donation was in the seven figures which will enable the foundation to aid more members. SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s grants give members up to $1,500, but in extreme conditions like health issues or other emergency situations, a lifetime member can receive up to $6,000 in emergency financial assistance. With Johnson’s contributions, it has the potential of helping thousands of actors.
Dwayne Johnson Makes Massive Donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund
