A unique movie screening brought joy to young patients at Perth Children’s Hospital on March 14, 2024. In a heartwarming initiative, the Starlight Children’s Foundation partnered with Disney to present a showing of Zootopia 2 in the hospital’s Starlight Express Room. This event was part of the “Disney Movie Moments” program, designed to create joyful experiences for children facing health challenges.
The mobile movie theatre transformed the hospital environment, making it feel festive and special for the little patients. Movie tickets and custom popcorn buckets enhanced the immersive experience, delivering a slice of cinematic magic directly to the children.
According to Kathryn Tohill, Starlight’s program manager for digital entertainment and creative collaborations, the initiative aims to provide “VIP moments” for sick children. “We make this experience more than you would get at the cinema,” she explained. “We add the most incredible extras and lots of special gifts.”
The collaboration between Starlight and Disney focuses on brightening children’s lives during difficult times. As Ms. Tohill noted, the program significantly engages kids who are unwell and often isolated within the hospital wards, creating moments of connection and happiness.
The screening not only entertained the children but also provided a welcome distraction from their medical treatments. Families were encouraged to join in the experience, allowing them to share precious moments together. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as staff and volunteers facilitated the event, ensuring every detail was perfect.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by both organizations to support children in hospitals. By creating these unique experiences, they aim to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that come with being in a medical setting.
Overall, the special screening of Zootopia 2 exemplifies how creativity and collaboration can bring much-needed joy to children’s lives, even in challenging circumstances.
