Couponing to Disney

The Disney company is a vast company made up of Disney parks, Media networks and studio entertainment. Most well-known for its Disney Parks, the Disney Company does much good and gives back behind the scenes. Below are 7 incredible ways the Disney company gives back.

Helping The Environment Through The Disney Conservation Fund

Animals have been part of Disney parks for more than 60 years so it is no surprise the Disney Conservation Fund exists with the goal of saving animals, inspiring action and protecting the planet. The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has allotted more than $70 million towards the protection of the planet and wildlife. More than this, they have inspired millions of Disney fans to get active in their own communities. Possible through the Inspiring Action Grant awarded to organizations for community conservation efforts.

DCF is currently working towards saving and preserving 10 at risk animal categories: Apes, Butterflies, Coral Reefs, Cranes, Elephants, Monkeys, Rhinos, Sea Turtles, Sharks & Rays and Tigers. Grants are given by the DCF to conservation organizations working closely with these at-risk animals for preservation.

Giving Back To The Environment Through Reducing Environmental Impact

With natural resources at risk, Disney is committed to reducing environmental impact. Disney company has a long term goal of a zero waste (for net greenhouse gas & waste). By 2020 Disney hopes to reduce net emissions by 50%, and have successfully reduced by 41% as of 2017.  They are also committed to conserving water resources whenever possible. By 2020 they aim to avoid 60% of waste from going to landfills and incineration. Announced in July 2018 is the mission to eliminate and reduce single-use plastic items, such as straws as part of this effort.

Giving Back Through Charitable Donations

Disney World gives back to various nonprofit organizations through charitable cash donations, public service announcements and contributions. In fact in 2017 Disney donated more than $348 million dollars to nonprofit organizations. This money went towards families, children and communities in need.

Recent Charitable Donations:

• Donated $500,000 to support to those affected by California wildfires (November, 2018)
• Donated $1 Million to Feeding America (November, 2018)
• Donated $1 Million to communities impacted by Hurricane Michael (October, 2018)
• Donated $1 Million to Boys & Girls club of Burbank and Greater East Valley (September, 2018)
• Donated Disney Hospital Care Packages to more than 445 Children’s Hospitals across U.S. (July, 2018)

Giving The Gift Of Reading Through Book Donations

Disney understands the power of reading. Therefore, they are committed to the donation of books. More than 61 million books have been donated by Disney to schools and children since 2012.

Giving Back through Disney VoluntEARS

Giving back includes more than just money, committing time through volunteering is also an important way to give back. Since 2012 the Disney VoluntEARS have completed 3.4 million hours of community service. Disney’s goal by 2020 is to have contributed more than 5 million hours of employee volunteering.

Make-A-Wish

In 2018 Disney donated $3 million (US) to Make-A-Wish foundation to help grant wishes through their #ShareYourEars campaign. Disney World has been helping to grant wishes for children with a critical illness and their families since 1980. Many choose Disney as their wish, nearly 10,000 each year.

Joy At Hospitals

Joy and long hospital stays do not usualy go together, however Disney is trying to change that because everyone deserves moments of joy. In 2018, Bob Iger (Disney chairman & CEO) announced a 5-year plan to donate more than $100 million in company resources towards a more positive experience for families and patients at hospitals worldwide.

The first hospital to participate was the Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston), now CHOC Children’s (Orange County, California) has joined the program. Visitors of the CHOC Children’s will find a Turtle Talk show in the lobby. This is part of the Disney Company’s hope to bring moments of joy and comfort to hospitals through Disney magic and Characters.

Over the next 5 years, they are hoping to add touches such as: guests being able to personalize by choosing their favorite characters and stories, see “enchanted” artwork, character sheets, character murals, First run Disney Movies & TV shows and more. Pictured above is one of those experiences, The Disney Reef now open at the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, England. This playground will bring moments of joy to the families of more than 600 ill children that spend much time here. 

Astounding Numbers

The astounding numbers of donations and charity work are current as of late 2018, and will only continue to grow as Disney continues to give.

photo credit: Disney Park Blogs

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