$14,000 Donated To Make-A-Wish International
CELEBRATION,
Fla. (June 6, 2013) – Thousands of Disney Cruise Line guests and crew
members recently volunteered their time on all four ships to take part
in the first “AquaDucky Derby” rubber duck races in the ships’ pools and
famous water coasters to raise nearly $14,000 for Make-A-Wish
International.
The
events saluted the 30th anniversary of the Disney VoluntEARS program,
which provides opportunities for Disney cast and crew members to donate
their time to worthy causes around the world.
The
one-of-a-kind fundraiser brought together crew members and guests, who
purchased yellow rubber ducks to decorate and then enter in a
water-filled race aboard the ships. Races took place in Goofy’s Pool on
the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, while those onboard the Disney Dream
and Disney Fantasy utilized the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at
sea exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.
All
funds raised from the duck sales are being donated to Make-A-Wish
International, an organization that grants wishes for children facing
life-threatening medical conditions in 48 countries outside of the U.S.
Since the first-ever official wish experience 32 years ago, Disney has
helped grant more than 81,000 wishes globally and is involved in nearly
50 percent of the wishes granted each year.
“The
cast and crew of Disney Cruise Line are proud to support Make-A-Wish
International and its mission of making wishes come true for children
worldwide,” said Rena Langley, vice president of Public Affairs, Disney
Cruise Line. “The AquaDucky Derby allows us to engage and inspire our
guests to get involved, joining our efforts to give back to this great
organization in a fun and interactive way.”
According
to Christiaan Abbott, Cruise Director aboard the Disney Dream, “Having
our guests take part in this first-ever AquaDucky Derby has definitely
made it especially unique. You can feel the excitement in the air. The
entire shipboard community of guests and crew came together to have fun
for a great cause, and the reaction from the crowd has been incredible.”
Events
like this are just a small part of Disney’s commitment to give back to
local communities through in-kind donations and the efforts of Disney
VoluntEARS. In 2012, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members completed
75 community outreach projects and donated more than 4,500 hours of
personal service to nonprofit organizations, working both onboard the
ships and in communities across Central Florida, The Bahamas, the
Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Additionally, the line provided more than
$640,000 in charitable and in-kind donations to organizations
supporting children, families and the environment.
Disney VoluntEARS
2013
marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney VoluntEARS program, organized
to provide opportunities for Disney cast members, crew members,
Imagineers and employees to contribute their time and talents to help
strengthen communities around the world. Since 1983, Disney VoluntEARS
across Disney’s many business units, including Disney Cruise Line, have
given more than 7.5 million hours of volunteer service in more than 40
countries worldwide. That’s the equivalent of one person volunteering
for 855 straight years! Projects include everything from bringing
Disney characters to share smiles and laughter with children in
hospitals and care facilities to participating in beach cleanups,
leading reading programs and building community programs.
For more information on Disney’s corporate citizenship and outreach programs, please visit www.dclnews.com/about/community<http://www.dclnews.com/about/community>.
Disney Cruise Line
Based
in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a
setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children
can experience all Disney has to offer. Most recently, the company was
recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top
“Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and
the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisure
magazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line
for Families. The 2013 Cruise Critic Cruiser’s Choice Awards recognized
Disney ships in a number of categories, including Best for Families.
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