Disney Donates $100K for Disaster Preparedness in Central Florida
LAKE BUENA VISTA, July 29, 2013 — The American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region has received a $100,000 donation from Walt Disney World Resort in support of the organization’s disaster relief services. The contribution will be used to help the Red Cross respond immediately to the needs of kids and families in Central Florida impacted by local disasters.
The donation is part of Disney’s support of the Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program for emergency preparedness throughout the United States.
“We are thankful to Disney for its support of the American Red Cross,” said Karen Hagan, president and CEO of the Red Cross, Mid-Florida chapter. “This generous donation allows the American Red Cross to continue its lifesaving work preparing for and responding to emergencies in Central Florida.”
For more than 130 years, the mission of the American Red Cross has been to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. People affected by disaster need to know they have a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support as they take the first steps to recovery.
In addition to financial contributions, Disney has supported the American Red Cross through the commitment of Disney VoluntEARS. So far this year, nearly 100 Walt Disney World Cast Members have successfully completed the “Ready when the Time Comes” training, which prepares volunteers to provide basic shelter set up and food services assistance to victims of disasters.
“We’re proud to support the efforts of the American Red Cross which has a long history of helping people in need,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations at Walt Disney World Resort. “By making this financial investment along with the support of our Red Cross-trained Disney VoluntEARS, we hope that our community is even more prepared to provide comfort during a natural disaster.”
Last month, Disney also donated $250,000 to support Red Cross relief efforts in response to the Oklahoma tornados and severe storms that affected several states in the Midwest.