Here’s the text of a story that was posted for all cast members to see:
The Walt Disney Company Offers Assistance to Victims in Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia Through $1 Million Red Cross Donation
"Our
hearts go out to all of the people in the affected countries who have
lost loved ones in this unprecedented disaster," said Andy Bird,
president, Walt Disney International, in response to the devastating
earthquake and tsunami in eastern Africa and southeast Asia that
occurred on Dec. 26.
"While we are very grateful that it
appears our Cast Members and Disney employees are safe, we know that
many people have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news about
them," added Andy. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
The
disaster has apparently spared employees and Cast Members of The Walt
Disney Company, according to Vice President of Human Resources Bill
Frew, who heads up Human Resources for the Asia Pacific region, which
includes India, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Japan
and China. "Thankfully, from what we’ve learned so far, no Disney
employees have been directly affected," said Bill.
Reaching Out to Those in Need
Through
DisneyHand, worldwide outreach for The Walt Disney Company, we have a
long history of helping those in need after disasters such as this,
including donating more than $7 million in cash and in-kind support to
hurricane victims in Florida, where so many of our Cast Members were
impacted. Disney reached out again to offer assistance to eastern
Africa and Southeast Asia.
Through DisneyHand, a fund has been
set up with the American Red Cross with a corporate donation of $1
million dollars. The Red Cross disaster assistance is free thanks to
the generosity of donors such as Disney. The Red Cross will use the
funds to help provide both immediate and long-term help to those
affected, including providing supplies, technical assistance and other
much-needed items.
In addition to Disney’s corporate donation,
Cast Members and employees will also be able to contribute a monetary
gift to the existing fund. Michael Eisner, CEO of The Walt Disney
Company, and Bob Iger, president and COO, were the first to contribute
$25,000 each to augment the Company’s donation.
DisneyHand’s
mission is to make the dreams of families and children a reality
through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism
in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. For
more information on DisneyHand’s overall outreach efforts, visit
disneyhand.com. How You Can Help
If you are interested in contributing a financial gift to the Red Cross, you may donate to the International Response fund.
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp
Contributions
to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are tax deductible. For more
information, visit www.redcross.org.