If there is something positive to emerge from the current public health crisis, it is the coming together of people to help people. The amazing stories of both individuals and companies filling needs where they are able have been a source of joy. Disney is at it again, this time stepping up to help our medical heroes in the midst of shortages of critical medical supplies, specifically personal protective equipment. First and foremost, we applaud every medical hero out there, literally risking their own health and lives to serve the needs of others. We also applaud companies like Disney jumping in to help. Check out the details of this very clever way. Disney is clearing out its supplies to help the medical community.
Here are all the details from a Disney Cast Member:
Since taking the unprecedented steps of closing our theme parks and stores and suspending our cruises, we have continued to focus on ways we can make a difference during this time.
In response to requests from hospitals that are in need of additional protective garments and medical-related supplies, Disney Parks has donated 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Charles Redding, MedShare CEO and President. “We have to find ways to pool our resources and work together to help the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to treat patients and contain COVID-19. We appreciate Disney partnering with us to support hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.”
Disney Parks also recently donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida, and is finding additional ways to give back.
These efforts follow the recent donation of more than 270 tons of food to local food banks from Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3M in in-kind donations benefitting communities around the globe.
Disney Parks has a longstanding history of helping hospitals and communities, dating back to the 1930s, when Walt, himself, took Disney characters and animators on outreach visits. Sharing the magic of Disney continues today through contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts, and employee volunteerism. These are some of the ways Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.
