In recognition of the creation of The Disney Reef, The Walt Disney Company, Great Ormond Street Hospital and GOSH Children’s Charity have been awarded Gold for the Best Collaborative Approach at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2019. The awards are designed to celebrate the most successful partnerships between businesses and the third sector.
The Disney Reef is an imaginative underwater themed outdoor space for children and those closest to them to enjoy whilst in hospital. As the Reef was installed in June 2018, GOSH children and those closest to them have just celebrated its first birthday by sharing their Moments that Matter from the Disney Reef.
The following comments illustrate The Disney Reef’s transformative impact on the children’s hospital experience.
Tara Cooper: “My oldest daughter was in GOSH for 5 weeks last year but was room bound for 4 of those weeks. Once she was well enough, she experienced her first breath of fresh air visiting the Reef and said she it made her feel alive.”
Emma Lowe: “We love it! I can’t begin to tell you what a difference this makes to our visits. The promise of time at the Reef really helps my daughters after procedures”.
Carly Ayres: “We love the reef! My daughter visits every other month & will not leave without a visit to give Nemo a hug. Her treatment ward actually overlooks the reef so it also helps her get through her treatment, as it’s something to look forward to afterwards. Thank you for creating such a wonderful space.”
Sophie Calvert: “My son William is able to look forward to his monthly trips to GOSH now, and absolutely loves visiting the Disney Reef as part of his routine.”
Since Walt Disney first visited Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1951, the two organisations have enjoyed a long history of working together to create Moments that Matter for seriously ill children. The Disney Reef forms part of Disney’s global commitment to deliver comfort and inspiration to families with children facing serious illness and reimagine children’s patient journey and hospital experience. Together we work with others to help build emotional resilience, leveraging the power of our brand, storytelling and characters to inspire and create Moments that Matter for children and those closest to them, when they need it the most.