The Walt Disney Company to Donate up to $3.5 Million to Japan Recovery Effort

The Walt Disney Company has had a presence in Japan almost 30 years and the animation products produced by Walt Disney have a huge following in Japan. So to say there is a lot of goodwill between the Disney legacy and the people of Japan is an understatement. It’s terrific to see the Disney company and its employees reach out to make a sizable donation to help the people of Japan in their time of emergency.

According the press release below, The Walt Disney Company and its employees will send as much as $1.5 million to the relief effort. $2.5 in an initial donation to the American Red Cross and up to another $1 million in employee donations and matching funds to the Red Cross and Save the Children. That’s a pretty sizable sum and a great gesture from Disney.

Additionally Disney has reached out to both US and international employees in Tokyo with help and the OLC will provide those international cast who desire it a round-trip ticket home and then back to Tokyo when the park opens again.

The full press release is below the jump:

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY COMMITS US$2.5 MILLION IN HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN JAPAN
The Company will also match employee donations to Red Cross and Save the Children up to US$1 million

Tokyo and Burbank, Calif., March 14, 2011 The Walt Disney Company announced today that it will donate $2.5 million to the American Red Cross to support humanitarian aid efforts related to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In addition, the Company will match Disney cast member and employee donations to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund and Save the Children, dollar for dollar, up to $1 million total.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Japan,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We send our continued thoughts of support and encouragement as this great nation begins the long road to recovery.”

“We are truly grateful for Disney’s generosity to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Disney’s support is enabling the Red Cross to provide critical assistance and essential relief items in this time of urgent need.”

The Walt Disney Company is committed to working with humanitarian organizations to help rebuild stricken communities and assist families as Japan recovers from these devastating natural disasters.