Community relations is strategic development of mutually beneficial relationships with targeted communities toward the long-term objective of building reputation and trust. For the Walt Disney World Company, they have long strived to be a “good neighbor” by helping people in need.
The main community that Disney has identified to target with its Community Relations is Central Florida’s children. According to their website, Disney looks to “assist organizations that build better futures for children, through ongoing programming that incorporates one or more of the following tactics: connecting young people with adults, building strong character, offering constructive uses of free time in safe places, and instilling a sense of compassion for others.”
Throughout the year, the Walt Disney World Company holds a number of events which benefit the children of Central Florida. Press releases about these events are posted on the company’s Public Affairs website.
For example, volunteers from the Walt Disney World Resort joined volunteers from the Parramore community to help KaBOOM! build a playground and learning garden at the Orlando Day Nursery. This is just one of the many playgrounds being built across the country as part of The Walt Disney Company’s “Disney Magic of Healthy Living” campaign. The goal is to reinforce to families and children that a healthy lifestyle can also be fun.
Another example is the donation of 20,000 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Central Florida Toys for Tots headquarters. While donating such a sizable amount of toys is great for the children on its own, Disney volunteers also donated their time. People don't form relationships with companies, they form relationships with people in the companies...and according to the press release, volunteers have given thousands of hours by helping the U.S. marines register families in need, sort and stack toys and help distribute them.
Another example is the donation of 20,000 toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Central Florida Toys for Tots headquarters. While donating such a sizable amount of toys is great for the children on its own, Disney volunteers also donated their time. People don't form relationships with companies, they form relationships with people in the companies...and according to the press release, volunteers have given thousands of hours by helping the U.S. marines register families in need, sort and stack toys and help distribute them.
All of these programs not only benefit the children of Central Florida, but the standing and reputation of the Walt Disney Company not only in Central Florida but around the world.
