A handful of stars from the upcomingAvengers: Endgamefilm teamed up to celebrate a massive $5 million donation to help provide support to children around the globe with serious illnesses.
On Friday, cast membersRobert Downey Jr.,Chris Hemsworth,Scarlett Johansson,Jeremy Renner,Paul RuddandBrie Larsontraveled to Disney California Adventure Park to attend Avengers Universe Unite, a charity event to unveil the massive donation.
“More than any time, it’s a time to give back to these courageous kids who inspire us,” Downey Jr., who plays Iron Man in the popular franchise, said at the event, according to theAssociated Press.
As part of the sizable gift, Disney donated $1 million to theStarlight Children’s Foundation. The LEGO Group, Hasbro, Funko and Amazon also donated $4 million inAvengers: Endgametoys to hundreds of children’s hospitals across the globe, as well to the Florida nonprofit resort,Give Kids the World Village.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
“From delivering hospital care packages, to storytelling through Starlight Xperience virtual reality, to our recent Disney-themed Starlight Gowns, millions of seriously ill children have benefited from our amazing relationship together. And with this donation, even more kids will get to experience the magic of Disney,” Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation, said in a press release.
Chris Hemsworth and Paul Rudd.Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Renner and Chris Hemsworth.Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
The cast also got a chance to meet with kids from local Boys & Girls Clubs at The LEGO Store in Downtown Disney.
“The superheroes in Avengers personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope – the same traits countless kids and their families in children’s hospitals exhibit every day,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, in a press release. “We are grateful to have theAvengerscast take time out of their day to be a part of this effort to lift spirits and bring comfort to children during a difficult time.”
Brie Larson.Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Disney
Rudd, who stars as Ant-Man in the film, shared that he felt “grateful and touched” to be able to be a part of the experience, according to the AP.
“I work with a lot of kids and families. It’s not just the kids. It’s the entire family. The parents, the brothers, the sisters. This is a real honor to give back,” the actor shared, before playfully adding, “I would like to say the Ant-Man toy is particularly small. So when you’re walking around barefoot, just be careful. It’s a little bit like stepping on a LEGO.”
Avengers: Endgameflies into theaters April 26.
source: people.com
