Public Statements from The Walt Disney Company and CEO Bob Chapek
As the Walt Disney World theme parks reopen following Hurricane Ian, The Walt Disney Company has issued a statement. Here’s the statement from the company:
Our hearts go out to those impacted by Hurricanes lan and Fiona. We are grateful for all first responders who are doing heroic work, and to our employees who helped keep our guests safe. In addition to providing impacted employees with assistance through our relief fund, we are providing support to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Heart of Florida United Way, and others working on local relief efforts.
The Walt Disney Company
Disney CEO Bob Chapek also sent out a company-wide email:
Team –
Bob Chapek, Disney CEO
As we continue to assess the situation in the wake of Hurricane lan, my thoughts are with all those who have been impacted-especially our Disney colleagues and the communities they call home. I also want to acknowledge the amazing Cast Members who are keeping our Guests safe and entertained in a very tough situation, as well as the first responders who are doing heroic work.
On the heels of Hurricane Fiona and as lan continues to do damage, we are supporting important relief efforts on the ground, and directing company resources where they can be most effective.
First and foremost, should you or an employee you know need assistance due to storm damage to your residence, please visit the Disney Employee Relief Fund website to apply.
To help in the recovery effort, we are providing financial assistance above and beyond our annual disaster relief efforts to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Heart of Florida United Way, and others. We and the American Red Cross are running on-air appeals for public support about both Hurricane lan and Hurricane Fiona, while our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is housing emergency response vehicles. There are sure to be more efforts once the recovery process begins.
Our employees have always been there for each other in times of need-and today is no different. If you would like to support your colleagues, you can do so by contributing to the Disney Employee Relief Fund I mentioned above, or by visiting our Disaster Giving site to donate to organizations supporting the relief efforts. Donations to eligible relief organizations can be matched by the Disney Employee Matching Gifts Program.
I know I speak for the entire Disney family around the world in offering support to our friends and colleagues who have been affected by these storms.
We are keeping everyone in our thoughts, and please stay safe.