Thanks to community support and the charity of companies and celebrities, the victims and families of the tragedy in Orlando can focus more on what matters: mourning and healing. In addition to efforts on the part of organizations such as OneBlood donation centers immediately after the shootings, others are coming forward to assist. Below is a comprehensive list of well-known people and companies taking part in compassionate outreach.
Free Concealed Handgun Courses for the LGBT Community
In Houston, the Shiloh Gun Range in northwest Harris County is offering free CHL classes to the LBGT community. Owner of the range, Jeff Shiloh, said, “We want to make them aware they can come here, they can feel safe here, they can get their concealed handgun license or their license to carry and they can carry a gun and they can feel good about it.” Out for Liberty, a Nevada LBGT advocate group has visited many gay bars in the Las Vegas area in an attempt to raise awareness of the necessity for gay bartenders to be armed. Out for Liberty concealed carry courses are now free of charge for any LGBT club or bar worker.
The Bates County Sheriff (Missouri) is also waiving the cost of CCW permits for the entirety of June for all residents.
Nashville Armory in Tennessee will offer a free 8-hour course on July 9th to any member of the LGBT community.
Uber Offers Free Rides to LGBT Centers
Uber will offer free rides this weekend to any significant establishment in the LGBT community around the country. Customers may access $20 worth of credits when traveling to LGBT clubs, bars, community centers, and institutions. The free rides are offered in 40 major cities across the United States and Canada. Although the company is not offering the free rides to LGBT establishments in Orlando itself, they are instead offering free rides to family members of the victims.
Mark Cuban Donates $1 Million to Dallas Police Department to Fund Added Security Measures
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings has confirmed the sizable donation by Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban. The donation is earmarked for roughly 16,000 hours of DPD overtime to increase police presence in the Oak Lawn area, where multiple LGBT clubs, stores, and bars are located.
Orlando Churches Offering Free Funeral Services for Pulse Shooting Victims
Four Orlando churches are holding services for victims free of charge– Florida Hospital Church, Metro Church, Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church and Forest City Spanish Adventist Church. Metro Church’s pastor, Seth Cain (pictured above), states, “We want to do more than just pray for Orlando. We’d like to serve Orlando”. Cain goes on to say “This was not part of God’s plan. He did not intend for these things to happen”. Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church and Florida Hospital Church are also offering free streaming of services for anyone unable to attend.
Disney Donates $1 Million and Offers Free Lodging
Disney announced they are donating $1 million to the OneOrlando fund, which will disperse monies to nonprofits working with family members, victims, and the LGBT community. Walt Disney World Resort is also offering free lodging to the relatives and friends of the victims. The company is also matching donations, dollar for dollar, made by Walt Disney World employees. Disney, the region’s largest employer, also set up five blood donation centers across resort properties.
Christina Aguilera Will Donate All Proceeds from Her New Single
Titled “Change”, Aguilera’s emotional new single is dedicated to the victims of the Orlando massacre. 100% of the proceeds over the next three months will be donated to the National Compassion Fund, dedicated to victims and their families. The publisher and label are also donating proceeds to this fund. Says Aguilera, “Like so many, I want to help be part of the change this world needs to make it a beautiful inclusive place where humanity can love each other freely and passionately.”
JetBlue Offers Free Flights
The airline is offering free flights to and from Orlando for immediate family and domestic partners of victims. JetBlue will also offer fee waivers to customers needing to make last-minute travel changes. The airline stated that it “wants to do our part to help the victims of this tragedy, as well as support the Orlando community through this difficult time. JetBlue will also make a charitable donation to help support victims and families.
The respect and support these companies and people around the country are demonstrating for the LGBT community is an example of what this country was founded on, the unity that is missing, and the unity we need to get this country back on track.