Disney cares about kids

Image: DisneyThe core business model of The Walt Disney Company is now and always has been entertaining children. Starting with Mickey Mouse cartoons and continuing through Disneyland and other kid-friendly products, Disney has earned its money through the laughter of children. It’s the crucial reason why the Disney brand is so popular.

The company loves to give back to children with its philanthropy. Save for the war effort, which was tangential, everything else listed here directly aids children. If you’re wondering about UNICEF, it actually stands for United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. So, yeah, Disney’s all about the kids.

One of their most recent charitable campaigns represents yet another way to bring happiness to the children who need it the most. CEO Robert Iger confirmed in March of 2018 that the company will donate $100 million in resources to children’s hospitals everywhere. Disney aspires to “transform the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world – creating a personalized and engaging atmosphere that will inspire young patients and ease the stress of a hospital stay.”

Image: DisneySome of that is corporate speak. What Disney means is that they’re employing a new RFID system to let patients at children’s hospitals personalize their visits. Their favorite Disney characters will entertain them throughout the day, giving them the belief that someone is providing them company. Since hospitals are by nature places where people feel isolated, this special touch will lift the spirits of the patients.

Disney is doing more than personalizing the visits. They’re also opening up the Disney library, giving children’s hospitals access to first-run Disney movies (i.e. the ones still in theaters). Some hospitals will have pop-up movie theaters, places that will make kids feel like they’ve escaped their hospital rooms for a while. Disney is also creating in-room entertainment up and to and including new Disney games.

The first recipient of this new program is the largest children’s hospital in America, Texas Children’s Hospital, which is located in Houston. The hospital put together this video about Disney’s goal of transforming the hospital experience. Watching it will make you feel wonderful about your support of all things Disney.