Earlier this month, Disney Cruise Line cast members and the Walt Disney Imagineering Germany team came together in Papenburg, where the Disney Treasure and the Disney Destiny are being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard, to partner with the Foundation for Hospital Art. The team of Disney VoluntEARS invited 280 local elementary school students to create paint-by-numbers canvases of Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie. As part of the foundation’s work, the canvases will be donated to pediatric facilities neighboring the shipyard.
Disney Cruise Line has had a longstanding relationship with the organization and has donated multiple canvases to help in the foundation’s mission of displaying at least one painting in each hospital in the world. Established in 1984, the foundation is dedicated to bringing comfort and brightening the spirits of hospital patients by decorating hospitals with cheerful artwork.
Painting for a Greater Cause
The fun kicked off with Disney cast and Imagineers, along with a group of 25 helpful VoluntEARS, donning Mickey ears and mitts, surprising the students with an exciting program of activities instead of a regular school day.
Imagineer Kate Press said, “Seeing the students’ eyes light up with excitement as they realized that the special guests were from Disney was quite a magical moment for us.”
To give every student a chance to paint on the canvases, the children rotated through different coloring stations, including the canvases and Disney Cruise Line-inspired coloring sheets of Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie.
“We had so much fun sharing and creating Disney magic together with the kids while we made the paintings,” exclaimed Imagineer Jasper Wilms.
Ending the Day With a Special Wish
Afterward, the children enjoyed a special screening of “Wish” — the newest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios — complete with popcorn and snacks.
Imagineer Demi Schouten shared, “The Disney VoluntEARS event was an amazing opportunity to make the school kids’ day memorable. It was great to see how happy and grateful the kids were to spend a day filled with fun Disney activities!”
Imagineers’ Commitment to Supporting Local Communities
Imagineers believe it is important to support their local communities, especially in ways that embody the heart of Imagineering – creativity and innovation. Many Imagineers have their own stories about how they were inspired to become Imagineers during their childhood, and this event was used to spark their imagination. We hope to inspire the next generation of children about the importance of giving back and encourage them to always think innovatively.