Ryan Braun, a former Brewers star, commends the firefighters fighting the LA wildfires: "True heroes."

One of the co-creators of California Strong is Braun.

Ryan Braun, a former Brewers star, commends the firefighters fighting the LA wildfires: "True heroes."
Ryan Braun, a former Brewers star, commends the firefighters fighting the LA wildfires: "True heroes."

Ryan Braun, a former Milwaukee Brewers star, spent the last six weeks away from his California home because of the wildfires.

Firefighters are being praised by Braun, 41, for their efforts in safeguarding people and buildings.

On Saturday, Braun told Planet Chronicle Digital that firefighters and first responders are true heroes who deserve more recognition for their selfless work. He emphasized that these individuals risk their lives daily to protect others, working tirelessly around the clock with little rest. Braun shared an example of a firefighter who went 72 hours without sleep while responding to an emergency.

Ryan Braun salutes fans
Former Milwaukee Brewers player Ryan Braun waves to fans during a ceremony announcing his retirement from baseball before a game against the New York Mets at American Family Field.  (Benny Sieu/USA Today Sports)

"The community is expressing gratitude to the individuals who are working tirelessly to save people and structures. Today, there is an opportunity to show appreciation to as many of them as possible."

The group consisting of Mike Moustakas, Jared Goff, Christian Yelich, and Mike Attanasio from the Brewers' ownership, along with Braun, founded California Strong to aid communities affected by the disaster.

The YMCA's California Strong program offers assistance to all Californians affected by disasters.

MLB star Christian Yelich talks California Strong's impact after LA wildfires

Yelich discussed the ongoing support of the California community during challenging times.

Yelich told Planet Chronicle Digital that the community always comes together to help those in need, even during tough times like the Woolsey Fire seven years ago. Although it feels like just yesterday, the recovery process can take a long time. It's not something that happens quickly, taking days, weeks, or even years to complete.

Aftermath of the California wildfires
The Sunset Fire burns in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles Jan. 8, 2025.  (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"The process of recovery is a multiyear journey, and at the outset, our goal is to assist individuals in getting back on their feet. We aim to remain with them throughout the process until they can return to normalcy."

During tough times, Braun, Yelich, Goff, and Attanasio checked in with each other, which led to the creation of California Strong.

Moustakas shared with Planet Chronicle Digital how their initial check-in quickly evolved into an effort to utilize their platforms for good. He stated, "One of the greatest things about what we were able to do in baseball was use our platform for good."

"We were fortunate to have the YMCA partner with us, and it quickly became a successful partnership. We're here today to support families and the community, and we're excited to help people out."

The rebuilding process for people will be long and arduous, but California Strong is committed to assisting them.

Proactive Sports owner Emily Capretta talks California Strong

We are part of this community. We were raised in this community. We understand the struggles and challenges faced by the people here. Like Mike (Moustaktas), I am a parent of young children, and so I approach these situations with the perspective of other parents. It is a challenging and traumatic experience for many to rebuild their lives after natural disasters and tragedies. For us, the objective of California Strong was to provide support to those affected by such events.

"Over the past seven years, we have aimed to provide support to individuals in both the short and long term as they navigate a challenging process of rebuilding their lives. Today, our goal remains the same: to assist people in immediate need and help them overcome the obstacles they face in the long run."

Proactive Sports is collaborating with California Strong to aid Californians in regaining their footing.

A general view of the burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc
Burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, reaching their fifth day and leaving extensive damage in residential areas in Los Angeles Jan. 12, 2025.  (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Since its inception, Proactive Sports has partnered with California Strong. Emily Capretta, owner of Proactive Sports, shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital. In 2018, the company hosted an event for those affected by the Woolsey Fire and the Borderline shooting, which occurred in their community.

We mobilized a group of smart and strong women to organize a community Thanksgiving, which marked the start of California Strong.

"I texted the original group of women to propose that we repeat the event, and then I also texted Ryan Braun to say that it's time to mobilize and be the first action point for those affected."

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by Ryan Canfield,Larry Fink

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