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Together with Disney Worldwide Outreach, Hong Kong Disneyland launched the Disney Children's Fund this week. It aims to offer HK$1 million in grants in its inaugural year!

NB: This is a Disney press release, but given a special HKDL Source sheen by us...

HONG KONG (January 28, 2008) Hong Kong Disneyland announced today the launch of the Disney Children’s Fund, a program funded by Disney Worldwide Outreach, focused on improving the lives of children around the world. The Disney Children’s Fund will offer annual grants to selected non-profit organizations for the implementation of new and innovative programs that address the needs of children in Hong Kong. In this inaugural year, the fund will offer HK$1 million in grants.

“We are thrilled to launch this program in Hong Kong,” expressed Jennifer Anopolsky, The Walt Disney Company’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. “The Disney Children’s Fund continues our company’s longstanding tradition of helping children in the communities we call home throughout the world.”

The announcement of the Disney Children’s Fund is part of Hong Kong Disneyland’s commitment to the people of Hong Kong, and maintains a tradition of community service and philanthropy that has been a hallmark of Disney Parks for more than 50 years. Today’s announcement follows the Resort’s recent inauguration of a new Cast Member VoluntEARS program designed to assist children who are hospitalized – building on the already existing efforts of the Hong Kong Disneyland cast to giving back to their community and the environment.

“We thank Disney for its continuing support of Hong Kong Disneyland and the local charitable organizations that have the experience and expertise to address the diverse and ever-changing needs of children in our community,” said Mr. Bill Ernest, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland. “We are proud to call Hong Kong our home and these funds will help continue our commitment to programs that positively impact children’s lives.”

In order to participate in the Disney Children’s Fund, local Hong Kong children’s organizations are invited to apply for grants. Applications then will be reviewed by a local judging panel. The judges’ panel includes Hong Kong business leaders and professionals: The Honorary Mr. Bernard Chan, Chairman, Hong Kong Council of Social Services; Dr. Sandra Tsang, Head, Department of Social Work and Administration, The University of Hong Kong; Dr. Lily Chiu, Cluster Chief Executive (Kowloon West), Hospital Authority; Mrs. Priscilla Lui, Director, Against Child Abuse; and Mr. Bill Ernest, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland.

Dr. Lily Chiu, Cluster Chief Executive (Kowloon West), Hospital Authority, said: “Disney Children’s Fund welcomes new and creative ideas for children’s welfare programs. The program further cements the growing relationship between Hong Kong Disneyland and the Hong Kong community.”

Applications for the Disney Children’s Fund will be accepted until March 3, 2008 with the selected organizations and programs scheduled to be announced later this Spring.

About Disney Worldwide Outreach

Disney brightens the lives of children in need around the world through global outreach programs, local community initiatives and the Disney VoluntEARS program. Last year, Disney donated more than $177 million in cash and in-kind support to various charities around the world. Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 466,000 hours of service and the company drew upon its unique magic to make wishes come true for children and families. The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time and expertise towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company. For more information on Disney’s outreach efforts, please visit www.DisneyOutreach.com.

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