Disney Pledges to Donate $5 Million to Notre Dame Cathedral Reconstruction Efforts

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images

The entertainment studio is lending a hand to rebuilding the beloved, historic landmark.

In the wake of the devastating fire that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, The Walt Disney Company is stepping up to lend a helping hand.

The entertainment company announced on Wednesday that it will be donating $5 million to the reconstruction efforts on the historic and beloved landmark.

"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 said in a statement posted to the company's website.

Iger went on to say that Disney "stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece."

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.

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, over $1 billion has been raised for reconstruction, with funds coming from both the Catholic Church, international companies and private citizens alike.

One private citizen who has made a particularly sizable donation is François-Henri Pinault, the billionaire husband of actress Salma Hayek, who pledged to donate more than $100 million to rebuild the landmark.

Check out the video below to hear more on Pinault's generous donation.

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