Metro Weekly

Disney donates $1 million to help Orlando victims

Money will go towards helping victims of Orlando shootings

Credit: Disney
Credit: Disney

“We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act.”

Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a statement. Disney will contribute $1 million to the OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist the victims and families of the mass shooting in Pulse nightclub on Sunday.

“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,” Chapek added.

Disney has also coordinated with local efforts to provide support to those in need, including working with OneBlood to help cast members and other employees at Disney’s resorts who wish to donate blood to do so at five locations in Disney’s resort property.

The OneOrlando Fund is administered by the Central Florida Foundation and will support nonprofits working with victims and their families, help the LGBT and Hispanic communities, contribute funds to uncover the causes of the shooting, and any other needs that arise over the coming weeks.

A separate fund started by Equality Florida has similar aims. The Pulse Victims Fund has so far raised over $4.3 million from more than 90,000 donations. Equality Florida will distribute the funds to partner organizations to help families and victims.

“More than 90,000 people from all over the world have raised upwards of $4.2 million dollars towards Equality Florida’s Pulse Victim Fund thus far,” an update to the GoFundMe page reads. “[It sends] the message that they are standing with Orlando, and are here for the survivors and the families of those taken from us. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming.”

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