A 14-year-old charity founder has praised the Duchess of Sussex for her “incredibly kind” support of Los Angeles wildfire victims, following criticism that the royal couple were “disaster tourists”.
Avery Colvert, who established Altadena Girls to help teenagers affected by last month’s devastating fires, told Marie Claire that Meghan Markle’s involvement went far beyond photo opportunities.
The teenager’s comments come just hours after defending the Duchess against critics, stating that those making accusations “weren’t there” to witness the genuine nature of her support.
The Duchess demonstrated her personal commitment by bringing bags of clothing from her own wardrobe to donate to affected teenagers.
Teenage charity founder, 14, makes stance clear on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Foundation
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Taking her involvement further, Meghan underwent stylist training to help young girls select flattering outfits from the charity’s donations.
Her presence had a profound impact on those receiving help, with Colvert noting that some people were so moved they “just completely broke down”.
The initiative focuses on providing essential items including clothes, personal items, and beauty products to help teenage girls “regain their sense of self and confidence” after the fires.
Through support from Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, what began as a temporary relief effort has evolved into a permanent charitable organisation.
Meghan Markle pictured arriving with heavy bags of donations amid devastating wildfiresAltadena Girls / InstagramColvert’s step-father Matt Chait revealed that Archewell has been instrumental in “opening lots of doors” and making vital connections for the charity.
The foundation played a crucial role in securing a permanent building that now serves as Altadena Girls’s headquarters.
The transformation marks a significant shift from the charity’s initial focus on wildfire relief, with Altadena Girls now positioned to provide long-term support for young girls in need throughout the Los Angeles area.
“We’re excited to become a long-term solution to help young girls in need rather than just a disaster relief project,” Colvert said, reflecting on Altadena Girls’s future.
Meghan Markle visited locals in Los Angeles after the devastating wildfiresGettyMatt Chait emphasised the ongoing nature of Archewell’s involvement, noting how the foundation continues to “open lots of doors for us and make connections”.
The charity’s website outlines its mission to support teenage victims in regaining normality after the fires.
Taking to Instagram, Altadena Girls gave a “special thanks” to the Archewell Foundation, prompting an outpouring of support from donors worldwide, including messages from Australia.
The wildfires have devastated Los Angeles, killing at least 24 people and burning more than 40,000 acres.
Prince Harry arriving to help after the devastation of the wildfires
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been actively involved in relief efforts, volunteering at the Pasadena Convention Centre food bank and comforting victims.
The couple themselves faced potential evacuation from their Montecito mansion as the fires spread, with the area under a red flag warning.
Through their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes have made donations to relief efforts and urged other Los Angeles residents to help by offering shelter to evacuees and donating essential items.
The Duchess also postponed the launch of her Netflix show to focus on supporting those impacted by the wildfires.