Disney Donates $1M For Orlando Victims

Big news tonight: Disney is donating $1 million to the OneOrlando Fund "to assist those affected by the tragic events in Orlando." 

In addition to their donation, Disney has announced that they'll match, dollar-for-dollar, every (eligible) donation made by their employees. They're also providing free accommodation for the families and friends of the victims as well as opening several blood donation centers across the properties.

My $0.02:
I linked to the official announcement from Disney on their blog -- better to get information from the original source -- but I originally read the news from Entertainment Weekly via Facebook. And I'm shocked by all the people who are trolling Disney saying they're not doing enough. (Although, maybe I shouldn't be surprised. There's also a comment about how Disney bans people with tattoos from entering their parks which...no. Just no. Yes, cast members have to cover their tattoos while working, but that's another matter entirely.)
And, to be fair, there are a lot of people defending the donation -- and I agree with them. Disney didn't have to do anything -- although, given their presence in Orlando, it would have been a major PR disaster if they hadn't. But again--they're a business. They don't have to make a donation. And as for the amount? Those saying that "a million dollars" isn't enough...I don't think any amount would be.

I just wish this conversation didn't have to happen at all.

It's a world of laughter, a world of tears...

...It's a world of hopes and a world of fears. 
There's so much that we share, that it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all."

One of the things I wanted to highlight today was the response of the theme park employees in Orlando -- specifically Disney, although employees at Universal and SeaWorld are showing their support in similar ways. (See guests at Universal Studios Orlando raise their wands to honor the fallen -- I dare you not to cry.)

While the response was motivated partly through a loss of several of their own, I would like to think that they're not just mourning those few -- that they're mourning everyone whose life was cut tragically short that day. Again, I don't want to delve too much into the politics of it, or my personal opinions--I just want to show the beautiful way Disney employees are showing their support and solidarity:

"Ohana"means "family." "Family" means no one gets left behind.

PC Kevin O'Brien via Facebook

Only love can thaw a frozen heart.

PC Lauren Patterson Shoemaker via Facebook

Disney World Cast Member Kevin O'Brien has been collecting and posting photos of the hearts (and similar tributes across Orlando) on his Facebook page. You can see them here, here and here. 

And, I think it's also worth noting that Equality Florida has set up a GoFundMe page for the families of the victims. They initially had a goal of $100,000 and quickly surpassed that. At my last check, they had raised about $4.4 million. (It's a record-setting crowdfunding campaign -- which gives me a little hope, in light of all the sadness.)

If you're thinking about donating (or not donating), as I did, just remember: there's so much that we share, that it's time we're aware, it's a small world after all..."