From the wrapping of thousands of Christmas presents to the distribution at the hospital, the editorial staff had the chance to accompany the essential Stitch and Mickey for this great action which brings smiles to the children, and morale to the parents. Narrative.
Disneyland Paris doesn’t just make you dream through its amusement park. As Christmas approaches, the magic also moves into hospital rooms. This year, we had the chance to participate in a solidarity operation carried out by the Disney VoluntEARSvolunteer employees who devote their free time to offering moments of escape to sick children. Since the opening of the park in 1992, they have carried out these wonderful actions, often surrounded by their loved ones, to transmit this spirit of generosity.
That day, we joined the teams at Disneyland Paris to help them wrap Christmas presents. On the tables, wrapping paper, multi-colored ribbons, scissors and tape, labels… Everything is available to wrap the children’s toys. Other volunteers come by with their cart to bring the ready-made toys and store them in a corner before the big distribution. Like little elves, we took pleasure in getting our hands dirty, in the company of Stitch and Mickey, who stopped by to greet and encourage the volunteers in a joyful and family atmosphere. Knowing that these beautiful toys are intended for sick children motivates us to do our best to wrap the most splendid package. Mission successful: in a single day, more than 11,000 gifts were carefully wrapped and will be distributed in hospitals in France, but also in Belgium and Spain. The objective of this operation? “Sharing the magic of Christmas with those who need it most”underlines Éric Pires Augère, Head of Philanthropy at Disneyland Paris for more than 20 years.
A few days later, we went to the Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien, in Jossigny, in Seine-et-Marne. This time, we accompanied Stitch, then Mickey, as well as the Disney VoluntEARS team in the corridors of the pediatric ward, ready to surprise the children and adolescents. As soon as the characters entered a room, their eyes lit up, their smiles burst out. Some were rather intimidated… Until they took a souvenir photo or shared a big hug with their favorite character who came to visit them and they opened their precious gift together, under the calm gaze of their parents, who were still very moved. Because, for a moment, after difficult days, a little happiness came to the hospital. “It brings a little joy. It’s good to see them happy, to see them smile, it also adds a little excitement”told us the mother of little Chiara. Three years old, the latter was particularly delighted with her meeting with Mickey. Marie Pierre Grzesiak, the health manager of the pediatric department, also tells us: “It gives them morale. These solidarity operations bring balm to the hearts of children and parents.” And seeing a smile reappear on the face of a hospitalized child is something you never forget.
In the corridors decorated with frescoes and paintings depicting cartoon characters or superheroes, we also measure the scale of this initiative. Disneyland Paris has been running this program since 1991 and its commitment speaks for itself: 40,000 visits from hospitalized children over the years, more than 500 partner hospitals in France and Europe, 19,000 hours of volunteering in 2024 alone, 350,000 disadvantaged children welcomed at the park and 20,000 wishes granted for seriously ill children. These figures tell a story that we have been able to touch: that of a surge of solidarity that is experienced, built and transmitted. Participating in this operation was a privilege, a bright break before Christmas, and proof that magic does indeed exist outside of attractions and animated films.
