donations aid victims of new mexico fires

The quaint mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, holds a special place in the hearts of visitors like Beverly Allen.

So when Ruidoso—and the neighboring Mescalero Apache Reservation—were ravaged by fires and subsequent floods, Allen knew she had to help.

And as a Chevron public affairs advisor whose job involves allocating money to good causes, she was in a position to do so.

In mid-June, two wildfires broke out in southern New Mexico. They destroyed 1,400 structures and consumed more than 25,000 acres. At least two people were killed.

Weeks after the fires took hold, Ruidoso was hit by flash flooding. This prompted more evacuations and displacement.

Chevron responded by committing $100,000 to support relief and recovery efforts. Of that money:

• $75,000 will go toward the Greatest Need Impact Fund. It will provide financial resources to people affected by the disasters in Lincoln and Otero counties in New Mexico.
• $25,000 will go to the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

“We were really wanting to do something to help, along with everybody else,” Allen said. “It feels great to have been able to do that.”

Thora Padilla, president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, said the donation was appreciated.

“This contribution will directly support the Mescalero Apache Tribe and its members during these challenging times of fires and flooding on the reservation,” Padilla said. “Chevron’s support is invaluable.”

Chevron has a history of helping communities affected by natural disasters.

• In April, it announced a $3 million contribution to help communities in Kazakhstan affected by widespread flooding.
• In 2022, it gave $250,000 to support relief efforts in communities affected by wildfires in Boulder County, Colorado.
• Also in 2022, it made a $250,000 donation to support relief efforts for New Mexico wildfires.
• And in 2017, the company announced a $500,000 contribution from the Chevron Global Community Fund to support relief efforts for California wildfires.