The Walt Disney Company has made a generous commitment of $15 million to assist both its cast members and local communities with relief efforts in the wake of devastating blazes in Los Angeles.
The fires, which have torn through vast areas of Los Angeles County, are the most destructive in the region’s recorded history. The Palisades Fire, the most significant of the blazes, has burned over 21,000 acres and thousands of structures and is only 8% contained at the time of writing.
At least 11 lives have been lost, and evacuation orders currently affect over 150,000 residents.
Aftermath of Pacific Palisades fires shows widespread devastation.
Aftermath of Pacific Palisades fires shows widespread devastation.
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A combination of a dry climate and natural vegetation has always made Southern California prone to wildfires, but this year, the situation is compounded by an extreme drought. According to BBC reports, downtown Los Angeles has received a mere 0.16 inches of rain since October.
The infamous Santa Ana winds have also exacerbated the spread of the fires, complicating efforts by firefighters to gain control of the situation.
Wildfires Shutter Local Attractions
As the fires continue to threaten the area, local attractions have been heavily impacted. Universal Studios Hollywood, along with its CityWalk shopping and dining district, shut down for two days this week before controversially reopening on January 10.
Other venues, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the Los Angeles Zoo, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, also temporarily closed their doors to the public.
Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, has remained relatively unaffected due to its location further southeast. However, a significant number of its cast members have been affected, as many commute from Los Angeles.
To support those displaced by the fires, Disneyland Resort has reportedly offered emergency rates at the Disneyland Hotel.
CEO Bob Iger shared his personal thoughts on the crisis, posting a video to Instagram showing the destruction in Pacific Palisades. “My heart goes out to everyone who has lost homes and businesses, and to all whose lives have been impacted, including thousands of Disney employees,” Iger stated.
Disney Donates $15 Million
In response to the calamity, The Walt Disney Company has pledged $15 million in support of the relief efforts. The donation will go toward organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
The company also plans to bolster its Employee Relief Fund to directly assist its cast members who have been impacted by the fires. Disney has vowed to continue working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees, many of whom are facing personal hardships due to the fires.
Further emphasizing Disney’s commitment to the region, Iger expressed the company’s long-standing connection to Los Angeles. “Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world,” he said. “We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”
What are your thoughts on Disney’s $15 million pledge?
Good for them!! Glad to see they are helping Cast members too!!