On Christmas Day, the Disney VoluntEars and Goofy (dressed up as Santa Claus), helped to create some truly magical memories and distributed presents for children at Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien (based in Jossigny). This year more than 2,600 gifts were given to children across 55 hospitals pediatric wards.
“It’s not easy to be in hospital on Christmas day. It brings joy to the children,” says Nadège, one of the six auxiliaries on duty at the hospital. “It’s great that he can have presents. We didn’t expect to be here on 25 December… You kind of forget you’re in the hospital.” says Kurtis’ mother. Aurélie, another mother, adds: “It’s a nice surprise for Christmas! Even as a parent, it makes me feel good!”
This action shows that Disneyland Paris is committed to making positive impacts in the lives of those who need it most, especially sick children. Disneyland Paris has been bringing such moments of magic in hospitals on Christmas Day for 8 years and for thirty years now, Disney Characters and VoluntEars have visited more than 40,000 children in 500 hospitals across France and Europe.
