In light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak around the world, Disney is donating much needed medical supplies and N95 masks to health professionals.
Some more of the equipment includes 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization. Nurses across the country have been using rain ponchos as an inventive way to protect nursing uniforms and prolong the use of personal protective equipment.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” MedShare CEO and president Charles Redding said in a statement. “We have to find ways to pool our resources and work together to help the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to treat patients and contain COVID-19. We appreciate Disney partnering with us to support hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.”
Disney also donated 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida.
“Disney Parks has a longstanding history of helping hospitals and communities, dating back to the 1930s, when Walt, himself, took Disney characters and animators on outreach visits,” Disney said in a statement. “Sharing the magic of Disney continues today through contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts and employee volunteerism.”
The coronavirus pandemic caused Disney to temporarily close both Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California, along with other parks around the world. The company has also suspended its cruises.
The donation of 100,000 N95 masks and 150,000 rain ponchos follows the recent donation of 270 tons of food to local food banks by Disneyland, Disney World and Disney theme parks around the world.
“Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3 million in in-kind donations benefiting communities around the globe,” Disney said in a statement. “These are some of the ways Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.”