Disney Recognizes NWF Work to Connect Kids and Nature; Awards Grant
OutdoorHub 04.24.12
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) received a $100,000 grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) for its work to protect nature and inspire lifelong conservation values. The award was presented during the Disney Kids and Nature Celebration, a three-day event held at Walt Disney World Resort which recognizes the importance of connecting kids to nature and the organizations leading this effort.
NWF President Larry Schweiger was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation, as well as Malcolm Barnard, who was selected to represent the organization for his dedication to turning his hometown, Johns Creek, Georgia, into a NWF certified Community Wildlife Habitat. This morning’s grant to National Wildlife Federation is one of five $100,000 awards that was announced. To date, DWCF has invested almost $20 million to support conservation programs in more than half the countries in the world.
“With the generous support of Disney, the National Wildlife Federation will continue to develop programs that bring kids closer to nature and teaches them the importance of taking care of our planet,” said NWF President Larry Schweiger.
The National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement is focused on raising healthier, happier children by making outdoor play a regular part of their day. Research shows that kids who don’t spend much time outdoors are more vulnerable to obesity, ADHD, vitamin D deficiency, depression and poor grades. Some of the Be Out There signature events including, the Great American Backyard Campout and Hike & Seek, encourage parents to make outdoor time for their kids a priority.
“At Disney, kids and conservation are important to who we are as a company,” said Dr. Beth Stevens, senior vice president of Corporate Citizenship, Environment & Conservation at Disney. “We have great confidence that the National Wildlife Federation will continue this commitment into the future. We know that the experiences they are helping to create for kids in nature are critical to inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.”
The National Wildlife Federation’s relationship with Disney goes back over 50 years. Walt Disney was featured in a 1956 television public service announcement highlighting National Wildlife Week, one of NWF’s first wildlife education programs for schools.
