|
The Disney VoluntEARS program for Europe, Middle East & Africa was launched in 1998 simultaneously in France and in the United Kingdom. The Disney VoluntEARS program is constantly expanding and now has strong programs in Italy, Portugal, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, Poland and Spain. Our cast members in other countries also have participated in the past in Disney VoluntEARS activities - Greece, Ireland, and Turkey. While our projects are diverse and reflect the many cultures of Europe, the Middle East & Africa, our primary focus is on children and families. Just a few of the numerous examples: In the United Kingdom, employees tutor reading to pupils of all ages at St. Paul's and Flora Gardens Primary Schools in Hammersmith and several employees are currently partnered with Action Trust for the Blind to drop in regularly and read mail to blind or partially sighted people within the borough; Disney VoluntEARS in France and Denmark participated in Run/Walks to support various causes such as the Fight Against Breast Cancer, The Danish Heart Fund and WWF; Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Poland and Spain have all become experts in hosting wonderful parties for children in hospitals and at associations that include creative workshops, Disney character visits, songs and games; and in South Africa, employees maintain an on-going relationship with several daycare centers that they have helped renovate, Siyazama and Liefdespoort, as well as with the Khayelitsha Cricket Club.
During our 2004 fiscal year, there were 1405 Disney VoluntEARS involved in 126 projects, totaling across all countries 6433 hours of volunteering!
South Africa: Liefdespoort Crèche
 Over the summer 2004, the Disney VoluntEARS completed work on a long-term project with Liefdespoort Crèche, located in an underprivileged area. They took on the huge task of putting in new toilet facilities, painting the exterior, putting in grass, paving the back area with bricks, painting the interior and putting in new curtains among other things. This is their second crèche renovation project and they have a lot to be proud of! Their hard work allows the children to play and learn in a clean and safe environment. This also helps them to build confidence while gaining new friends on the Disney VoluntEARS team as they will continue to provide ongoing support. This summer they had a “hand over” party at the newly remodeled crèche and spent time with the children, distributing goodie bags. Bravo to the Disney VoluntEARS of South Africa for a remarkable job!
|
France: Association Odyssea
On June 13th, 2004, at this second annual event for Odyssea, an association created in 2002 by two women, 30 Disney VoluntEARS participated in a 5km Run/Walk on the Champs de Mars near the famous Parisian landmark, The Eiffel Tower, in support of the fight against breast cancer. VoluntEARS brought along numerous friends and family on this pleasant Sunday morning to get some exercise, fresh air and join in for a good cause as the association’s slogan is “Ensemble, on est encore plus fortes” (Together, we are even stronger). This event is nationwide and also took place in the cities of Nice, Brest and Marseille.
|
Denmark: Ecco Walk-A-Thon
On August 22, 2004, during this annual Walk-a-thon sponsored by Ecco, 74 motivated Disney VoluntEARS walked 742 kilometers to raise funds for The Danish Heart Fund, UNICEF and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Participants were able to choose how far they wanted to walk, either 6km, 10km, or 15km. Ecco donated DKK 5 for each kilometer walked and so thanks to the athletic efforts of the VoluntEARS, a total amount of 3710 DKK was raised for charity. Fortunately the weather was excellent that day, motivating the VoluntEARS even further. Their efforts also represented 173 volunteer hours! Bravo for such great work!
|
Italy: Party in the Park
On Saturday, June 19th, 2004, Seventeen Disney VoluntEARS put together and hosted a party for the children of U.I.L.D.M., the national association that aids children with Muscular Dystrophy at a farm (Cascina San Fedele) inside Monza Park near Milan. Children came from various regions in Italy for the event. Snacks and entertainment were provided and Goofy made several guest appearances throughout the day. The children had their photos taken with Goofy and all left with huge smiles on their faces, resulting in another successful Disney VoluntEARS event in Italy!
|
United Kingdom: Habitat
UK Disney VoluntEARS have been plastering, laying carpet, clearing rubbish, building fences and painting every quarter for over a year and half at the Peckham Habitat for Humanity site. These five new homes have just been opened for use by five deserving families who also put in 500 "sweat equity hours" to build their own homes. The EARS are now taking on a new Habitat challenge by helping to build eight small flats in Southwark for homeless men.
|
Ireland: Dublin
DCP Europe's Softlines team created and presented a giant mural to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin. Using their time for their bi-annual European conference to paint the mural, this activity also served as a teambuilding exercise. By painting this giant cartoon mural with colourful Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Winnie the Pooh images, Disney's VoluntEARS hope to make hospital stays a less daunting experience for children. According to the hospital's manager, this programme helps Ireland's largest paediatric hospital achieve its long-term goal of having a brighter and more welcoming place to receive treatment.
|
|
 |
