The Walt Disney Company, as huge and supposedly corporate as they can be, also knows how to give back. The latest example in the better half of the company's legacy can be seen in their latest decision to donate money to those who have suffered after the tragic shooting that took place in Orlando this past Sunday. However, the $1 million donation isn't where the parent company of Disney Parks and, of course, its various film organizations stops.
In fact, according to the official post on the Disney Parks Blog, The Walt Disney Company's initial donation to the OneOrlando fund is only the beginning, as they are pledging to match any funds donated by Disney employees. On top of the monetary aid they're throwing down, the company is working with the appropriate organizations to provide housing for the friends and family of the victims to Sunday's heinous event. In an official statement, the chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, Bob Chapek, sent the following message to those effected by the shooting:
We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act. With 74,000 Cast Members who call Orlando home, we mourn the loss of the victims and offer our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.
It's obvious that an organization such as Disney Parks and Resorts would do everything in their power to support the community that they operate out of, but for The Walt Disney Company to throw their full weight behind such efforts is even more commendable. Not to mention, their pledge to match the donations of employees is the sort of above and beyond effort that we should be hearing about. After the horrific events of Sunday's shooting, any bit of good news or heartfelt tribute is welcome, and the humanitarian efforts of The Walt Disney Company are certainly on the list of items we're glad to be reporting.
The OneOrlando fund was created by Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, and it operates as a non-profit charity that is raising funds for tangible projects, such as other non-profits offering support to victims and families, as well as the "LGBTQ, Hispanic, faith, and other affected communities." In addition, OneOrlando is also operating towards more intangible motivations, such as supporting "underlying causes" of the Orlando shooting, and any needs that haven't yet been anticipated by the community.
Every step forward from this tragedy is both encouraging and frightening, and both The Walt Disney Company and OneOrlando look like they're more than ready to help the community move forward. If you're looking for more information on the OneOrlando fund, or would like to donate yourself, you can click here.
