Disney Gives Record 251,000 VoluntEAR Hours and $28.5 Million to Central Florida

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 12, 2010 – Highlighting the many ways that Walt Disney World Resort makes dreams come true within and beyond its borders, the newly released 2009 Community Report showcases Disney’s ongoing and active involvement in Central Florida -  a legacy set forth many decades ago by Walt Disney himself.

“Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members work daily to help realize the dreams of our community,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We actively seek ways to conduct our business in the most responsible way.”

As the largest single private employment site in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort and its more than 58,000 Cast Members play a vital role in Central Florida. The 2009 Community Report details their commitment with a focus on Disney’s accomplishments related to the environment, workplace and community, with a special emphasis on the well-being of children and families. 

In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort contributed more than $28.5 million to community efforts, granted nearly 7,000 wish trips to children facing life-threatening medical conditions and generated approximately $586 million in taxes to Central Florida governments. Other highlights include:  

Disney Cast Members Reach Record Level of Volunteerism  

In 2009, Disney VoluntEARS gave a record 251,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, from donating more than 650,000 school supplies to local students through A Gift For Teaching and S.T.A.R.S. to serving 9,000 meals at Coalition for the Homeless. In addition, 130 Disney Cast Members provided support to local non-profits by serving on their boards.  

The momentum continued earlier this year through “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.,” which inspired one million people to give back to their communities through volunteer service. More than 6,500 Central Floridians joined in 303 local “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” projects, ranging from community beautification events to sorting food for the hungry. “This was a starting point for many people,” said Chris Allen, Executive Director of HandsOn Orlando, the agency that oversaw many of the efforts. “We’ve found that if first-time volunteers have a great experience, they realize their potential and want to do more. Many will go on to volunteer again and again.” 

Eco-Friendly Actions Make Big Impact   

In 2009, The Walt Disney Company announced environmental goals to help manage and minimize its overall impact on the environment and inspire others to action. At Walt Disney World Resort, waste management and energy conservation initiatives are yielding impressive results. More than 92,000 tons of waste was diverted from landfills in 2009 through recycling efforts, enough to fill Spaceship Earth at Epcot more than seven times. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort has reduced energy consumption by more than 5% since 2006, enough to power 4,100 Central Florida homes for a year.          

Central Florida Charities “Shine On” With Disney Grants  

Celebrating those who work tirelessly to build better futures for Central Florida’s children, Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $700,000 in grants to 34 non-profit organizations via prize patrols that blanketed the region in May 2009. Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants recognize charities that commit their time and talent to making a difference in the lives of Central Florida’s children through programs that focus on connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion. Top recipients in 2009 were Coalition for the Homeless and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

“Walt Disney World Resort is always looking for ways to invest in the children of Central Florida and demonstrate our commitment to their healthy development,” says Shannon McAleavey, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Walt Disney World Resort. “We look to collaborate with organizations that will help us make a difference in children’s lives through long-term, sustainable efforts. Ultimately, this creates a stronger community for us all.”   

More than 170 local charities applied for 2010 Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants. Applicants will discover if they will be Disney Grants recipients this May, when prize patrols will yet again descend across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake Counties to award funding to those selected. Learn more about Disney’s charitable contributions, VoluntEAR efforts in the community, the company’s environmental stewardship and its initiatives that benefit and enhance the quality of life for Cast Members by reading the 2009 Community Report at www.wdwpublicaffairs.com/Resources/pdf/WDW_v13.pdf.