The Walt Disney Co. is giving $1 million to help people rebuilding from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
The money will help Disney employees and Disney Cruise Line crews who live in the region as well as nonprofits UNICEF USA, World Central Kitchen and Good360 which are helping get emergency supplies, food and shelter to people after the powerful storm hit the island this week. Disney has kept a port presence in Jamaica for more than a decade, the company said in a press release.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa, including our Disney employees and their families who call the island home,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement. “We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need at this difficult time.”
Hurricane Melissa’s death toll reached at least 50 people in the Caribbean, leaving behind destruction as one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, according to the latest media reports.
Meanwhile, Gatorland is trying to raise money to help its conservation partners in Jamaica.
Gatorland has set up an emergency relief fund to help Hope Zoo Kingston, a non-profit zoological garden and wildlife rehabilitation center, and Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary, a rescue and rehabilitation facility, the Orlando attraction said in a press release. Donations can be made online here.
Gatorland, a long-time attraction in Orlando, is focused on protecting alligators and educating the public around the world. Their work has increasingly brought them to Jamaica to help other groups saving alligators.
“It is an honor for us to step up and help our friends at Hope Zoo Kingston and Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary who desperately need our help to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa,” details Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “We will be with them every step of the way as they rebuild their badly damaged facilities to continue their conservation and rehabilitation goals that are so closely aligned with our mission at Gatorland Global.”
