An innovative collaboration between children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives (TfSL) and Disney is giving seriously ill children and their families the chance to create precious memories together.
The collaboration between the two organisations began in 2017 when the charity was selected as one of their four strategic charity partners within their Social Purpose Programme, where they work in partnership with others to help build emotional resilience.
Part of the ‘Moments that Matter’ campaign, the partnership has harnessed the storytelling of Frozen 2 to create more than 1,000 moments that help families make the most of their time together while raising awareness and essential funds. Disney UK’s Festive Celebration, which took place on November 30, saw hundreds of children and family members attend an event at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. Attendees stepped into the fully immersive Disney experience of the Frozen 2 Arendelle Adventure, Mickey and Minnie’s Winter Wonderland and the Toy Story 4 Carnival.
Children enjoyed a sensory journey in the enchanted forest to meet Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, made real snow with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their festive jumpers outside a gingerbread house, and took on the carnival crane machine to rescue aliens with Woody and Jessie.
Mum and Dad Louise Aaron, who attended the party with their two daughters, were asked how they felt about the day. “Amazing, just amazing,” said Louise. “We didn’t know what to expect anyway, but never in a million dreams would we have expected this, absolutely amazing”. Dad Aaron continued, “There’s so much to do, and the staff have just been amazing, all in character, it just completely makes the day.”
Other events have included children’s hospice workers invited to the premiere of Frozen 2 and a dedicated reception in central London. A few days before the film’s release, TfSL and Disney UK hosted a Frozen 2 Ball attended by the charity’s patron Simon Cowell, which raised over £400,000.
Commenting on their partnership, Sara Hanson, Disney EMEA’s Director of Charitable Programmes, said: “We are proud to be long-standing supporters of Together for Short Lives. Together, we strive to provide comfort and inspiration for seriously-ill children and those closest to them when it’s needed the most.
“The inspiration of such a powerful story as Frozen 2 that has such well-loved characters has enabled us to instigate new moments of togetherness, allowing us to include everyone who is passionate about supporting this cause on this journey and helping more families make the most of their time together through Moments that Matter.”
Andy Fletcher, CEO for Together for Short Lives, said: “It’s been a great privilege to work with our long-term partner Disney UK in celebrating the release of Frozen 2 and creating incredible Moments That Matter for the UK’s 49,000 seriously ill children and families.
“We have a shared passion and social purpose to improve the lives of these children. At its heart, Frozen 2 is a film all about family being together, and throughout November Disney UK created hundreds of magical family moments inspired by the world of Arendelle and Disney magic.
“From hosting an ultimate festive Disney party for hundreds of seriously ill children and families, to celebrating the lifeline children’s hospice “moments makers” who provide vital care to children every day of the year, it’s all helped us raise much-needed funds so we can continue to provide lifeline help to families and to support the 54 children’s hospices we work with across the UK. Together, we can help make memories that will last a lifetime.”
For more information visit Together for Short Lives
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