BURBANK, Calif., November 1, 2012 – The Walt Disney Company announced today a $2 million cash commitment to the relief and rebuilding efforts for those severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy. One million dollars will be donated to the American Red Cross for immediate, critical assistance, and another $1 million will be designated for organizations working on rebuilding efforts. In addition, Cast Member and employee eligible donations to organizations involved in disaster relief will be matched, dollar for dollar, by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.
“It’s hard to fathom the devastation from this storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Thousands of people in the hurricane’s path lost everything and face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together. We hope this helps provide immediate aid needed to get through this disaster and begin the road to recovery.”
In addition to financial assistance, Disney-ABC Television Group and ESPN will run public service announcements on ABC, ABC.com, ABCNews.com, Radio Disney, and ESPN’s family of networks encouraging viewers to support relief and rebuilding efforts.
Today’s announcement is part of Disney’s ongoing disaster preparedness and response program. As a proud sponsor of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, Disney provides support for disaster relief services, as well as comfort and hope to children in impacted communities.