Altadena Girls founder, 14, who worked with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to help LA fire victims, breaks silence after Sussexes were branded ‘disaster tourists’

The Duchess of Sussex has been praised as ‘incredibly kind’ by the teenage founder of an LA-based charity set up in support of those affected by the wildfires last month. 

Avery Colvert, 14, told Marie Claire that the support from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Foundation has turned the relief effort – Altadena Girls – supporting young girls in need into a full-blown non-profit organisation. 

Hitting back at claims that Meghan, 43, was chasing a photo opp when she and Harry were spotted volunteering at a food bank in LA, Colvert said ‘people weren’t there’. 

She recalled how the Duchess brought ‘bags of clothing from her own closet’ and even ‘got stylist training’ so she could help the young girls pick the most flattering outfits from the piles of donations Altadena Girls received. 

‘For all the girls that were coming in, they got to be styled by Meghan Markle, she continued, adding that some people were so overwhelmed by the Duchess’ presence at her fair that they ‘just completely broke down’. 

Her step-father Matt Chait added that Archewell Foundation has continued to support Altadena Girls and ‘open lots of doors for us and make connections’. 

He said that the foundation also helped secure the building that is now Altadena Girls’ permanent home. 

Meanwhile, Avery is excited for what the future holds as Altadena Girls is set to become a ‘long-term solution’ to help young girls in need rather than just a disaster relief project set up in response to the wildfires that ripped through Los Angeles in January.

The Duchess of Sussex has been praised as ‘incredibly kind’ by the teenage founder of an LA-based charity set up in support of those affected by the wildfires last month

Last month, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were also on the cusp of evacuation as the fire spread towards their Montecito mansion, have donated to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund through their Archewell Foundation.

Altadena Girls was launched by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to support teenage girls in her community to ‘regain their sense of self and confidence’ after the fires.

The charity website notes: ‘This fundraiser aims to restore normalcy for the teenage victims affected by this unfortunate event.

‘Avery, witnessing the profound impact on her friends and schoolmates, has embarked on this mission to provide essentials that are crucial for them to feel like themselves again.

‘We are focusing on gathering clothes, personal items, beauty and hair care products – the everyday items that allow these teenagers to thrive and carry on amidst challenging circumstances. 

‘By contributing, you help us fund the necessary items that bring smiles back to our teenagers’ faces and a sense of normalcy back to their lives. More importantly, you are helping us build towards long-term support.’ 

Taking to Instagram, the charity gave a ‘special thanks’ to Archewell Foundation for their support. 

Royal fans responded with gushing comments to thank Harry and Meghan, who inspired them to also donate. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle , who are now also on the cusp of evacuation as the fire spreads towards their Montecito mansion, have donated to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund through their Archewell Foundation

One person wrote: ‘If Harry and Meghan give the seal of approval then so do I. I’m happy to donate money. I am in Australia so unfortunately can’t volunteer. Well done girls.’

Another said: ‘Thank you Harry and Meghan and all the help you give via your Archwell foundation. Heading straight to donate.’

Someone else wrote: ‘Precious Harry and Meghan. Stay strong Altadena.’ 

It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made an appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA. 

The royal pair have been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre in Los Angeles, which is being used as an evacuation centre, on Friday.

The couple were spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.

Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, and Harry, who donned a black baseball cap and black polo shirt, also took time to speak with the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo.

The couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the Mayor, saying they were ‘great people’ with ‘great personalities’.

It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made an appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA

The deadly fires, which have killed at least 24 people and burned more than 40,000 acres, have been fueled by high winds like the ones that are today expected to hit Montecito

Taking to Instagram the charity gave a ‘special thanks’ to Archewell Foundation for their support

Many rushed to the comments to thank Harry and Meghan, who inspired them to also donate

‘They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,’ the Mayor added.

Meanwhile Harry and Meghan are now on the cusp of evacuation themselves as the apocalyptic fires that have ravaged Los Angeles head towards their Montecito mansion.

Montecito has been placed under a red flag warning as strong Santa Ana winds – branded the Devil Winds – are expected to arrive today, fueling ‘explosive fire growth’ and bringing an increased threat of more blazes across the greater LA region.

Experts warned Tuesday was the most dangerous day yet for the deadly LA fires, with fierce hurricane-force winds forecast to reach up to 70mph.

 Montecito Fire warned that the strong winds could cause fires to ‘grow rapidly’ and ‘behave erratically’, and has told residents to be ‘ready to evacuate’.

This means that Harry and Meghan, who just four days ago opened their doors to friends and loved ones who evacuated the fires, could be forced to flee their sprawling $29million nine-bedroom home.

The royals also urged other Los Angeles residents to do the same in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continue to level celebrities’ homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble.

‘If a friend, loved one or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating,’ the couple urged.

Meghan, right, speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena

‘Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and other essentials,’ they said, noting the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need. 

Harry and Meghan have already done so, according to The Telegraph, and are working with their staff from the Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to support the community.

Donations have also been made to relief efforts through their foundation, which is also looking for opportunities to volunteer.

The couple are also said to be in contact with chef Jose Andres and are working alongside his World Central Kitchen, which supplies meals in the wake of natural disasters. 

The deadly fires, which have killed at least 24 people and burned more than 40,000 acres, have been fueled by high winds like the ones that are today expected to hit Montecito, a celebrity enclave that is home dozens of stars including Oprah and Princess Lilibet’s movie producer godfather Tyler Perry.

Firefighters are currently battling four active fires across LA, the massive Palisades Fire that has burned more than 23,000 acres and is only 14 per cent contained.

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which consumed just over 14,000 acres, is roughly one-third contained and the smaller Hurst Fire, covering 799 acres, is almost completely under control.

A new blaze – known as the Auto Fire – broke out Monday night in Ventura County. The blaze, fueled by 20 to 30mph wind gusts, quickly grew to 56 acres in just a few hours and is not contained at all.

The red flag warning is currently in effect for the majority of southern California, extending from Ventura County through inland areas of San Diego County.

It comes after the Duchess of Sussex postponed the launch of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, to ‘focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.’ The series will now debut in March.