California wildfires: Businessman gives $1,000 cheques to over a thousand staff and students at Paradise high school

The San Diego real estate developer's donation totals $1.1 million

A San Diego businessman has handed $1,000 (£780) cheques to the 1,085 students and staff at a California high school left devastated by the state's most destructive ever wildfire.

Bob Wilson, a real estate developer and restaurant owner, met with Paradise High School students with $1.1 million worth of checks at-hand, and handed them out to the students, teachers, janitors and bus drivers.

“Let them figure out what they want to do with it,” Mr Wilson told KHSL-TV. “Maybe they’ll help their family, maybe they want to buy gasoline for their car, maybe they want to buy a bicycle, it’s up to them.”

The San Diego restaurant owner said he initially considered partnering with a non-profit organisation to provide gift cards to the students, but eventually took matters into his own hands.

Mr Wilson had never stepped foot in Paradise before his act of kindness, but spoke of his fondness for his high school years coupled with the devastation of the Camp Fire - which has killed at least 84 people and destroyed the town of Paradise.

“To lose a house is big enough, but to lose the whole community and their whole high school experience?” Mr Wilson said.

While Paradise High School remains despite after the wildfire, the students and staff are uncertain when they will be able to return back to their campus. The Paradise United School District said students will resume their classes next week through an independent study program until long-term accommodations are finalised in January.

Many of the students who attend the school lost their homes in the fire.

The Paradise High School community were grateful of Mr Wilson and his generosity. In addition to the monetary gift, the students had a chance to also see their friends and teachers.

“Not only was it generous, but it kind of brought everybody together,” Breanna Tamayo, a parent of a Paradise student, told KCRA. “My daughter saw a lot of her friends. And so it was more than just the money, it was just very generous of him.”

Paradise High School Principal Loren Lighthall agreed.

“The money is great,” Mr Lighthall said. “Seeing the smiles and being happy and being around your friends is maybe even better”.