We at Upon a Star Travel & Concierge are keenly aware of hurricane season, and this has been one of the worst on record. We are pleased to learn that one of the companies we love and trust has committed $2.5 million to aid in humanitarian relief efforts across Florida, the Caribbean and other areas impacted by Hurricane Irma. Their donation will support the disaster response and recovery efforts of the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other nonprofit organizations.
In addition to Disney’s donation announced this week, 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.
During Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World was extremely organized and prepared, and took incredible care of their resort guests. They also, along with Disney Cruise Line, donated meals, provided storage for supplies and power-utility vehicles, donated bedding to shelters, and made rooms available for first responders. Disney will also be donating goods and services throughout the region as specific needs are identified.
Following Hurricane Harvey, The Walt Disney Company raised almost $16 million to help storm victims facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives and communities. This total reflects Disney’s direct donation to the American Red Cross, personal contributions from employees matched dollar for dollar by Disney, and money raised across the Company through a variety of initiatives, including social media outreach and campaigns in Disney Stores in support of the Day of Giving, which aired August 31 across all of their media platforms.
All of these humanitarian acts are typical for Disney, who works on an ongoing basis with numerous nonprofit organizations on emergency preparedness efforts, including sharing lifesaving information with families before and during emergencies, having supplies prepositioned and at-the-ready to respond to natural disasters, and providing resources to activate large-scale responses in the event of a disaster. We are proud to be associated with this very special company!