On Christmas Day, Goofy dressed up as Santa Claus and teamed up with Disney VoluntEars to create magical moments and distribute presents to the children who are hospitalized at Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien (based in Jossigny). A true moment of magic and happiness for children, their families and the medical staff!
Each year, the Holiday season is a very special time for hospitalized children and this year, more than 2,600 gifts have been distributed in the pediatric wards of 55 hospitals across France. About 170 presents have notably been given to children at Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien.
“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.