Tag: American Red Cross

Disney Makes $1 Million Commitment to Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort

The Walt Disney Company and Houston ABC affiliate KTRK jointly announced that they have pledged $1 million to the Red Cross to go toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

In addition, Disney is matching, dollar for dollar, employee donations to the American Red Cross and other organizations involved in Harvey relief efforts.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”

Disney ABC Television Group will also host a Day of Giving on Aug. 31 to raise money for hurricane relief. Starting in the morning with local affiliates and ABC’s Good Morning America, and continuing throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney and DATG social platforms, there will be a call-to-action to donate to the Red Cross.

Disney joins a number of organizations and public figures who’ve pledged sizeable donations to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The Houston Rockets have donated $4 million to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s relief fund, the Astros have pledged $4 million to relief efforts and the Texans have pledged $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund, which the NFL Foundation agreed to match. Texans star JJ Watt launched his own fund, which has raised nearly $1.5 million as of Tuesday morning, thanks in part to a $50,000 donation from newly acquired Rockets player Chris Paul. Outside of Texas, the New England Patriots and owner Bob Kraft will match up to $1 million in Red Cross donations.

Amazon and Whole Foods agreed to match cash donations to the Red Cross made on Amazon.com up to $1 million. Apple made a $2 million donation to the Red Cross over the weekend and will match employee donations two to one. And Microsoft announced a $100,000 grant to the Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Houston native Beyonce is working to implement a plan to help “as many as we can.”Kevin Hart has donated at least $50,000 to relief efforts and called on stars like Jay-Z, The Rock, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Harvey and Justin Timberlake to contribute. Kris Jenner said Tuesday that she accepts Hart’s challenge and that she and her daughter will be donating $500,000 to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

From The Hollywood Reporter

Red Cross and Disney Honor National Preparedness Month

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross and Disney today unveiled a new disaster preparedness video, featuring Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce, to help teach kids and families the importance of preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies. The spot will run on Disney Channel as part of National Preparedness Month in September.

“When a disaster strikes, it is critical that the entire family is prepared,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Disney’s continued support helps us keep children safe by educating them about the importance of preparedness in ways that are relevant and fun.”

Disney Friends for Change – a global initiative that inspires kids and families to take action and make a difference in their communities – will spotlight the video on its website to show children simple ways to prepare for disasters. The spot will also air on the Disney Channel.

The spot features Boyce, who stars as Luke Ross on the Disney Channel series “Jessie,” and his friends as they discuss the basics of emergency preparedness: Learn, Practice, Share, Be Prepared. They portray preparing for emergencies as an activity that is easy, fun and as a way to help reduce children’s anxieties about the unexpected.

The video is one of several collaborative efforts between Disney and the Red Cross. The organizations  worked together to develop the Mickey and Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book, which helps children and families learn how to prepare for disasters through a series of interactive games and activities. The book is available to download in English and Spanish.

Disney also contributed to the creation and expansion of The Pillowcase Project through a total investment of $3 million since 2012. The program supports in-school and after-school curriculum to help 3rd to 5th graders and their families prepare for disasters. Trained instructors teach youth the safety actions for various disasters, how to develop a family emergency plan and how to create emergency kits by packing essential items into a pillowcase for easy transport – a technique Boyce uses in the spot.

As part of its commitment to youth preparedness, Disney is also funding the development of a new mobile app for youth that will enable the Red Cross to expand the reach of The Pillowcase Project beyond the classroom. The app will be available on IOS and Android by early November.

Disney also helps the Red Cross during disaster relief operations by contributing hundreds of hours of volunteer service through the Disney VoluntEARS program and donating Mickey Mouse plush dolls to comfort children in the aftermath of disasters.

As a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), Disney helps ensure the Red Cross is able to respond immediately after disasters at home and around the world.

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