Matthew McConaughey's Impact on Ruidoso Relief Efforts

Matthew McConaughey Supports Ruidoso Relief Efforts

Natassia Paloma

Specail to the Times

A Hollywood actor , Matthew McConaughey , joined the effort to help residents in Ruidoso by sharing a donation link with millions of followers on social media . The actor has a combined 19.8 million followers on both platforms . McConaughey posted how to help those impacted by wildfires and flooding on Facebook and Instagram on Thursday , July 18.

The post was originally shared by the village of Ruidoso and shared information on how to donate to its Shelter Fund , which provides daily assistance to families . McConaughey was spotted filming in Ruidoso in early April , just months before the South Fork and Salt Fire ravaged communities in the area and killed two people . Ruidoso coincidentally served as the backdrop to the film " The Lost Bus , " about a deadly wildfire in California.

Ruidoso Faces Ongoing Challenges

The village of Ruidoso was quick to respond to McConaughey 's gesture , expressing gratitude for his support . While the South Fork and Salt Fires are nearly completely contained , the Village of Ruidoso now grapples with daily bouts of devastating flooding . A flood watch is in effect as another round of storms is expected to hit the region over the weekend , with excessive rainfall of up to two inches in some areas.

Burn scars from wildfires may result in flash flooding , causing roadways to transform into rivers and become impassable . Streams may rise out of their banks , prompting people in low - lying areas to move to higher ground . Rain chances will continue in a typical monsoon pattern , with daily rounds of afternoon thunderstorms expected next week.

Matthew McConaughey 's Impact on Relief Efforts

In a recent Instagram post , Matthew McConaughey brought attention to Ruidoso 's relief efforts following devastating wildfires and flooding . The actor shared the Village of Ruidoso 's fundraising efforts for families in Ruidoso / Lincoln County affected by the recent disasters . The Community Foundation Lincoln County reported receiving 25 donations since McConaughey 's post , indicating a positive response to his actions.

KFOX14 / CBS4 is working to determine the extent of the impact McConaughey 's social media outreach has had on donation numbers . With almost 20 million followers combined on his accounts , the actor 's support has raised awareness and support for the relief efforts in Ruidoso . The Village of Ruidoso expressed gratitude for McConaughey 's involvement in helping the community recover and rebuild.