Following the fire that engulfed the iconic and beloved Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, US movie studio has pledged $5m towards the restoration of the centuries-old building.
“Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history,” Disney CEO Bob Iger says in a statement posted to the company’s website.
“The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbours in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece.”
The Walt Disney Company today announced it is committing $5 million to aid in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire that severely damaged the historic landmark this week: https://t.co/5Bm3BpDTPV pic.twitter.com/MFXAvUjsjg
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) April 17, 2019
Disney’s link to Notre Dame goes beyond an appreciation for the building’s place in history. It also served as the backdrop for their 1996 animated classic, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on the 1831 Victor Hugo novel.
The film, with animated incarnations of Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Frollo, sold an estimated $325 million in tickets worldwide. The company also manages Disneyland Paris, a 5,510-acre theme park about 20 miles (32 kilometres) east of the French capital.
Disney is the latest major corporation to pledge money to the cause, following on the heels of Apple and Kering, among others. According to the Associated Press, nearly a $1 billion has been raised for reconstruction, with funds coming from both the Catholic Church, international companies and private citizens alike.
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