Stars of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War Team Up for Epic Charity Event Counting Down to the Launch of Movie-Related Products on 3 March
The Walt Disney Company launched Marvel: The Universe Unites, an epic charity campaign combining the super powers of the cast of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War to help support children’s charities.
The week-long event will see stars of the movie team up for a series of hero acts and social media challenges to provide funds and raise awareness for charities that support children and families impacted by serious illness.
The initiative will culminate the weekend of 3 March when shopDisney.com and Disney stores in the US will donate 10% of sales of all brand products made between March 3-4, 2018 (up to US $50,000/£36,010) to Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“This movie has one of the greatest ensemble casts of all time, and we are challenging them to use their collective might to benefit children’s charities. We are kicking off by inviting some of the world’s biggest stars to get creative on social media to support Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity that works to bring joy and comfort to hospitalised children and their families,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.
As part of the brand’s ‘Hero Acts’, a charitable initiative launched in 2016, some members of the cast of Avengers: Infinity War will receive a special toy care package filled with new products celebrating their favourite character to be donated to children’s hospitals.
Their mission is to take a creative picture or video to reveal the new toys to fans and post it to their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter channels using #HeroActs. When their collective posts hit a million likes, they will unlock a US $250,000/£180,050 donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation from the brand.
“Being a Marvel Super Hero gives us a powerful platform to directly influence positive change. Giving back to kids is the most impactful role you can play. Marvel: The Universe Unites and #HeroActs is just a fun way to support a noble cause while entertaining kids and fans around the globe,” said Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther star.
The brand’s partners are also supporting the cause with their own #HeroActs in support of children’s charities. As part of the week’s events, Hasbro will donate US $1 million/£720 thousand worth of cash and products to Give Kids The World, an organisation that fulfills the wishes of children with critical illnesses and their families by providing them with an unforgettable trip which includes a visit to their village in Central Florida and access to Walt Disney World Resort.
Funko, known for their pop culture collectibles, will make a US $1 million/£720 thousand toy donation to Starlight as part of the campaign.
“From our fantastic cast to our toy and retail partners, it’s great to see the Marvel Cinematic Universe come together in this way to support children’s charities. The launch of the products for Avengers: Infinity War is a fun way for fans to celebrate the countdown to the movie, and this initiative underscores that moment in a really special way,” said Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios.
