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Disney�s Contributions to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts


As we watch the crisis of Hurricane Katrina continue to unfold, Disney continues to increase its involvement with relief efforts. As was announced immediately after the hurricane, Disney contributed $2.5 million towards relief efforts: $1 million to Red Cross relief efforts, $1 million to rebuilding efforts and $500,000 to the Points of Light Foundation's Volunteer Center National Network.

Disney's donation to the Red Cross is already being put to work. In addition, Disney's $500,000 donation to the Points of Light Foundation Volunteer Center National Network was immediately made available to Volunteer Centers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and adjacent affected areas. The funds are going to first-phase disaster relief and longer-term disaster recovery efforts by supporting volunteers working in the affected areas.

In addition, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The WB and UPN are joining forces for a primetime special entitled "Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast," to raise funds for those impacted. This one-hour commercial-free simulcast airing on Friday, September 9 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) will salute the brave citizens in the devastated areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, and pay tribute to the rescue personnel guiding relief efforts in the region. Walt Disney World will provide an additional 2,000 call seats to help ensure phone lines will be accessible for donations.

To help children and families get through this unsettling time, Disney is also sending televisions, DVD players, videos, books and games to shelters in six states, and has worked to make sure that Disney films are on hand for children and families in locations where they can be shown.

In addition, Walt Disney World and Disneyland are making it possible for Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters to visit shelters to help bring smiles to children during this difficult time.

The above-mentioned is only a snapshot of how the company is rallying around those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to learn more about recovery efforts or make a personal donation, please visit one of the following sites:

www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/katrina/help.center/#dv
www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org
www.1-800-Volunteer.org
www.salvationarmyusa.org
www.redcross.org
www.habitat.org