Since 1971 Walt Disney World has been a large part of Central Florida tourism. The influence expanded to the coast when the Disney Cruise Line settled in. So it’s nice to see Disney and its cast members giving back to the community with a coastal cleanup project.
VoluntEARS from Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line demonstrated their commitment to local environmental and conservation efforts today, as they teamed with friends, family and community partners to clear more than 250 pounds of trash along the Brevard coastline near the homeport of Disney Cruise Line.
Joining with members from Keep Brevard Beautiful, the United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority, this volunteer effort aims to help improve the health of the ocean and waterways.
“Through their efforts, Disney VoluntEARS are not only lending a hand to preserve Florida’s natural beauty, they’re also making the beaches cleaner for Central Florida beachgoers,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Over the past nineteen years Disney VoluntEARS have been involved in numerous cleanup projects, collecting over 40,000 pounds of trash and debris, enabling them to combine their passion for the environment with their commitment to the community.”
The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities for Cast Members to volunteer their time and expertise to positively impact their communities. Last year, Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 216,000 hours of service in Central Florida. Projects ranged from youth education programs to feeding the homeless to building playgrounds. Environmental efforts have included initiatives from Orlando Nature Preserve and Green Up Orlando.
“Cleaning up our coastal areas directly contributes to the conservation of wildlife and nature, an important part of Disney’s environmental commitment,” said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “And it’s helping to ensure that our state’s natural wonders will inspire and nurture future generations.