The wildfires out in California is a dangerous situation where very little of the news is good and tens of thousands of families are displaced while first responders place themselves in danger to protect life and home, often while their own property is at risk. This week the Walt Disney Company announced a donation of $500,000 to support the relief and recovery efforts in response to the wildfires.
“The firefighters are true heroes, and we honor their tireless commitment as they continue to battle these devastating wildfires,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. “Our hearts go out to the families and communities that have been so severely affected.”
The donation will provide support to firefighters on the front lines as they work to contain the fires and will assist California residents during this difficult time. In addition to the main donation, contributions from Disney employees to eligible relief and recovery organizations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.
Disney’s donations will go to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund, which supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts from major California wildfires as well as preparedness efforts; and to the California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assistance to firefighters, their families and the communities they protect.
Part of the reason we’re big fans of the Walt Disney Company is how it values and participates in the communities its located in. That means stepping up when disaster hits. This is yet another example of a great move from the Mouse.
(image from 1935 Disney short – Mickey’s Fire Brigade)