Cardi B pledged to cover all funeral expenses for the 17 victims killed in the Bronx, New York fire.
On Wednesday (Jan. 19), the Bronx-raised rapper told TMZ that she teamed up with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to cover the funeral and burial costs of the 17 victims who lost their lives in the deadly fire.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal,” the rapper told the outlet. “I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still. So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” the “UP” singer also shared in a press release.
According to the mother of two’s rep, the rapper wants to make sure that the families of all the victims would be included in her donation and “that the final wishes for their loved ones were met.”
“Cardi B, in true New York fashion, swiftly answered the call to help those affected by this tragic fire,” Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, co-executive directors, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City said. “We are grateful for her generous commitment to cover funeral expenses and lessen the financial burden for the families during this most difficult time.”
After hearing Cardi B’s pledge, New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, praised the rapper and showcased his appreciation for her generosity.
“The resilience of this city reflects everyday New Yorkers who never turn their back on one another,” said Mayor Adams. “We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims.”
He continued, “The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time.”
The fire, which was determined to have been caused by a broken electric space heater, blazed through a 19-story building on January 9, and killed 17 people between the ages of 2-years-old and 50-years-old, as well as injured several others.
The 17 victims of the fire are: Fatoumata Drammeh (50), Foutmala Drammeh (21), Muhammed Drammeh (12), Nyumaaisha Drammeh (19), Haji Dukary (49), Fatoumata Dukureh (5), Haja Dukureh (37), Mariam Dukureh (11), Mustapha Dukureh (12), Omar Jambang (6), Sera Janneh (27), Haouwa Mahamadou (5), Seydou Toure (12), Fatoumata Tunkara (43), Isatou Jabbie (31), Hagi Jawara (47) and Ousmane Konteh (2).
The Bronx Fire Relief Fund has received thousands of grassroots donations, as well as support from business and philanthropic community partners. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.5 million. For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims.
New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online at www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check — made payable to “The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City,” indicating that donations are for the “Bronx Fire Relief Fund” in the memo field or a note enclosed with the check — to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, 253 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
