Disney Comes Together to Support Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts

The history of The Walt Disney Company is inextricably linked to the greater Los Angeles region, and the destruction from the devastating fires that have affected thousands in our area is truly heartbreaking.

“The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation,” said Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “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. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”

These are some of the many ways that The Walt Disney Company has been working to support its community and employees in the LA area in the aftermath of this crisis.

Disney Commits $15 Million To LA Fire Relief & Rebuilding Efforts

The Walt Disney Company committed $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts, supporting vital organizations offering essential services on the ground like the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, among others.

Beyond critical relief efforts, Disney is working closely with business and community leaders to find ways to support important rebuilding efforts in the region.

Disney Opens Wardrobe Warehouse for Employees

Disney Employee Relief Fund

Disney teams have been working diligently to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, many of whom have been impacted by these fires. We’ve infused additional resources into our Disney Employee Relief Fund — a fund maintained for Cast Members and employees who have been affected by natural disaster or financial hardship — to help those facing distress because of this crisis. Additionally, Disney has provided both short-term and long-term housing to employees who have been displaced by the fires.

Disney VoluntEARS Assemble Hundreds of Comfort Kits for Kids

Disney VoluntEARS quickly mobilized to assemble hundreds of Disney-themed comfort kits and care packages — which included coloring and activity books, plush, and more provided by the Disney Experiences team — for kids staying in American Red Cross shelters in response to the tragic wildfires that have impacted the Los Angeles area. VoluntEARS also packed boxes of items including books, chairs, games, blankets, and more to help fill the kid’s space in the Pasadena shelter.

“If there’s one company that can bring a smile to somebody’s face when they’re going through their most difficult time, it’s Disney,” Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, said. “You look at operations like this, where Cast Members are coming together, everyone wants to reach out and help. And that’s what we’re here to do.”

Disney Hosts Community Screenings at El Capitan Theatre

Disney’s historic El Capitan Theatre opened its doors to host complimentary screenings of its latest hits, Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King, to help bring a little happiness to kids and families in the LA community affected by the wildfires.

General Manager James Wood, who has worked at the theatre in various roles since 2001, shared that having these screenings in Hollywood at the El Capitan Theatre, “a place that’s close to 100 years old, really showcases that we are going to keep going, that Los Angeles is a place that is strong, that will continue and will always continue.”

Disney Hosts Donation Drives for LA Fire Relief

Many across the Los Angeles region have lost homes, belongings, and access to basic necessities, leaving them in urgent need of support. Disney VoluntEARS have worked to collect essential items and make them available to families and individuals impacted by the wildfires with the help of community organizations, including Shelter Partnership, Helping Hands, and LA Unified School District.

“Since the moment this disaster hit, our employees have been asking what they can do to help,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “The Disney VoluntEARS team quickly mobilized to put on one of the largest disaster relief drives our company has done, collecting more than 200,000 items from employees and Cast Members across the company. This outpouring of support is just one of the many ways we are coming together to help those who have lost so much.”

Donation drives occurred at The Walt Disney Studios Lot, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Disneyland Resort, and other Disney locations.

Disney and Local Boys & Girls Clubs Bring Mufasa: The Lion King to Children Affected by California Fires

At Boys & Girls Clubs in Los Angeles, Disney helped to bring a bit of happiness and sense of normalcy to children impacted by the devastating wildfires in the region with private screenings of the box office hit Mufasa: The Lion King.

“When the team proposed the idea of hosting these screenings for kids who have been impacted by the fires, it was an instant yes — followed by the question, ‘And what more can we do?’” shared Cathleen Taff, President, Production Services, Franchise Management & Theatrical Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Studios. “We know the joy and comfort a Disney movie can bring to a child and their family, and we’re honored to provide that sense of happiness and escape for these kids.”

Some snacks and fun giveaways included Mufasa tumblers, friendship bracelets, and Mickey Mouse rice krispy treats. The goodies were accompanied by a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse himself, whose appearance in Pasadena was met with excitement from kids — and Boys & Girls Club staff — as he welcomed them with high fives.

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As the greater Los Angeles region works to rebuild in the wake of the destructive fires, our hearts are with everyone across Southern California who has been affected by this tragedy. We want to express our overwhelming gratitude to the heroic firefighters and first responders whose courage and professionalism have been a source of tremendous encouragement and pride. Likewise, we are grateful for the outstanding local reporters at KABC and elsewhere who have been a vital resource to all.

This community’s strength is rooted in its people, and we are proud to be a part of it and offer our support. To learn more about Disney’s social responsibility efforts, please visit impact.disney.com.