Walt Disney Co and Viacom Donate $3 Million for Hurricane Sandy Relief

Image: Mike Segar / Reuters

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Walt Disney Co and Viacom Inc has announced they will donate a total of $3 million to help with the relief effort.

According to CBS News, Viacom donated $1 million and Disney gave $2 million. The Hollywood Reporter additionally reports that both companies also created matching donation programs for their employees.

Half of Disney’s $2 million donation will go to the American Red Cross and the other half will go towards various organizations dedicated to relief efforts.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company, Robert A. Iger, said, “It’s hard to fathom the devastation from this storm. Thousands of people in the hurricane’s path lost everything and face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together. We hope this helps provide immediate aid needed to get through this disaster and begin the road to recovery.”

Viacom’s $1 million donation will be split between the Mayor’s Fund for NYC and local relief groups in badly affected areas such as Long Island, Westchester County, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In a statement released by Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman, he said, “The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is unprecedented and has left so many stuggling to rebuild their lives. Viacom has always had a strong relationship with the communities it serves and we are proud to step forward once again to help those in need.”

In addition to these major donations from Viacom and the Walt Disney Co, News Corp also announced it will be donating $1 million to the cause, which will be split 50/50 between the Mayor’s Fund for NYC and relief efforts in New Jersey.

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