Thanks to support from moviegoers nationwide, Disneynature and the National Park Foundation (NPF) are celebrating the results of their conservation initiative tied to the new movie “Bears,” which is in theaters now. SEE “BEARS,” PROTECT OUR NATIONAL PARKS committed a portion of ticket sales during opening week (April 18-24, 2014) to the NPF, and as a result of fans’ enthusiasm, Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, is supporting NPF programs across the National Park System, which will:
- Benefit parks that cover 2.9 million acres of our nation’s most treasured land.
- Restore or conduct research on more than 400,000 acres of national park service land.
- Study and protect at least 75 species of animals and plants—many of which are endangered or threatened.
- Provide internships to more than 60 high school and college students to conduct authentic, place-based field research.
- Educate thousands of school groups, teachers, families and other park visitors on the importance of wildlife protection and habitat restoration.
- Support landscapes that range from the long-leaf pine forests of South Carolina to the slickrock country of the Colorado Plateau to the beaches of Hawaii.
In celebration of this achievement and to further build on the impact, Disney announced an additional commitment to help young people experience national parks coast to coast, getting America’s youth active and outdoors. “Disneynature’s ‘Bears’ highlights one of the many wonderful natural places in our own backyard, and Disney is honored to work with the National Park Foundation to help protect important wildlife habitat and educate our nation’s youth about these essential sites,” said Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios. “We are proud of the impact the movie will have thanks to those who supported ‘Bears’ during opening week, and we are thrilled to expand our commitment to conservation through an additional donation specifically earmarked to help more than 100,000 children experience America’s national parks firsthand, many of them for the first time.”
“Disney has repeatedly demonstrated its incredible commitment to preserving and protecting America’s national parks while simultaneously engaging our country’s youth in these special places,” said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “We are excited to expand our collaboration and dramatically increase the critical impact potential thanks to Disney’s generous contributions.”
The Disneynature conservation efforts surrounding “Bears” attracted support from within Disney and beyond.
- Young fans unlocked an exclusive bear costume on Disney Club Penguin to support the National Park Foundation: www.ClubPenguin.com.
- The Disney Music Group is contributing a portion of each iTunes download of Olivia Holt’s Friends for Change anthem “Carry On”: iTunes.com/CarryOn.
- The Disney Store committed a portion of “Bears” plush purchases to the National Park Foundation: www.disneystore.com.
- At Disney Parks, a special Duffy the Disney Bear benefited the National Park Foundation in April.
- Disney Cruise Line made a contribution in celebration of the movie, which also premiered on the high seas.
- Regal Entertainment Group introduced a gift card program in conjunction with “Bears” that resulted in a contribution to the National Park Foundation: www.regmovies.com.
- DODOcase introduced a limited-edition collection of iPad Air, iPad Mini and iPhone 5/5S cases featuring a custom “Bears” design: a portion of each sale went directly to the National Park Foundation: www.DODOcase.com.
- New York jewelry designer Alex Woo designed eco-friendly pendants inspired by the film, available in Sterling Silver & 14kt Gold—a portion of each sale benefits the National Park Foundation: www.alexwoo.com.
For more information about the National Park Foundation, its programs and work with Disney, please visit www.nationalparks.org.
