'GMA' kicks off 'SoCal Strong' to help those affected by Los Angeles wildfires
LOS ANGELES -- "Good Morning America" was live Friday morning in Southern California to focus on highlighting recovery, rebuilding and resilience in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
More than $6 million was raised by "GMA" for fire victims as part of ABC News' expanded "SoCal Strong" initiative.
Co-anchors Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan and chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent Ginger Zee reported live across the fire-torn region and shared stories after meeting with fire victims.
"It's been great to see the grassroots efforts here and the relief efforts and what we've been able to do is match that with some corporations who are putting millions of dollars and our viewers are responding as well," said Roberts.
When asked what it's like to come and see the destruction for himself, Strahan said, "I think you can see the images on TV, you can see pictures, but when you see it in person, it takes your breath away."
Chief national correspondent Matt Gutman and correspondent and ABC News Live anchor Kayna Whitworth, who have been covering the fires since last week, also joined the coverage and brought in their own perspectives not only as journalists, but as residents themselves.
"As reporters you don't ever want to be the story or even be part of the story, but we are experiencing it right along with so many people," Whitworth said.
Gutman added, "Everybody could see one of these fires at some point over the past 10 days or so it's created this collected sense of togetherness, but also fear."
That's why joining the national SoCal Strong effort means so much to Southern California.
"Reminding our viewers of that, but also taking our power and our spotlight that we have is a responsibility," Zee said. "I love to be a part of SoCal Strong."
"We just wanted to show our support and let you know that you're not standing alone," said Roberts.
In addition to highlighting the many communities that were impacted on "GMA" Friday morning, there were also live musical performances. Singer Aloe Blacc performed his song, "Shine (Aurora)," and children's choir The High Notes performed their original song, "The Light in Me, the Light in You."
"Good Morning America," along with ABC News and ABC owned stations, kicked off "SoCal Strong" (#SoCalStrong) coverage on Friday, Jan. 17 to support Los Angeles-area communities amid the devastating wildfires. Coverage continues across ABC News programs and platforms.
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