Disney builds on recently announced $500,000 donation to five conservation organizations in Florida; Inspires the next generation of conservation heroes with Girl Scouts of Citrus, invests in STEM education, provides help and hope to families in need with Harvest Time International, cleans up local communities through Disney VoluntEARS program and more.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (April 24, 2023) – Building on Disney’s recently announced $500,000 donation to five conservation organizations in Florida and Earth Month celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney brought some additional magic to its Florida friends and neighbors.
Disney teamed up with Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (FWCF) and The Nature Conservancy to host local Girl Scouts for some hands-on learning experiences throughout the month, including an exclusive, advanced screening of “Home Waters” – a short film produced by the FWCF – and a day at The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve for some onsite exploration and career conversations with local leaders and conservation experts.
“On behalf of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, I would like to thank Disney for selecting the Corridor Curriculum as one of its conservation efforts to create a happier, healthier planet,” said Mallory Dimmitt, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. “Funding the Corridor Curriculum helps educate Floridians and tourists on the rich and diverse ecosystems in Florida and the variety of unique species found within the Corridor, ultimately protecting Florida for future generations.”
Building on its longstanding legacy of supporting young storytellers in Florida through Disney Future Storytellers, the resort donated $20K worth of gardening supplies to Lake Silver Elementary in Orange County, helping the school bloom into a Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy.
As part of its continued efforts to fight homelessness and strengthen communities, Disney shared an $85,000 Disney Grant with Harvest Time International. Disney works with the organization throughout the year, donating items from across Walt Disney World like linen, furniture, strollers and clothing. Disney also just recently shared that groundbreaking on the previously announced affordable and attainable housing development in Central Florida is targeted for next year, with first units anticipated to be completed in 2026.
Cast volunteers – also known as Disney VoluntEARS – spent more than 250 hours working alongside the community at conservation-based events across Central Florida throughout the month, cleaning up neighborhoods, educating others on the importance of conservation and protecting environments and wildlife that call Florida home.
In addition, the Disney Conservation Fund expanded its legacy of conservation by awarding grants to 25 global nonprofit organizations for their work in collaborating with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. To date, the fund has provided $125 million to support the critical work of nearly 600 organizations around the world.
This is all part of Disney Planet Possible – tangible actions we’re taking as a company to inspire optimism for a brighter, more sustainable future.
###
Walt Disney World Resort: Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation destination featuring four of the most popular theme parks from around the globe, two thrilling water parks, nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, a sports complex, several golf courses and Disney Springs — a metropolis of shopping, dining and entertainment. Since 1971, Walt Disney World has focused on delivering legendary guest service and one-of-a-kind experiences that make it the number one vacation destination in the world where families create magical memories.
Media Contact:
Avery Maehrer
Director, Communications at Walt Disney World
Avery.B.Maehrer@Disney.com