MUMBAI: On the occasion of the vibrant and colorful festival, Makar Sankranti, three Disney characters descended upon Lake Kankaria to fly kites with less privileged children in Ahmedabad.
The kids experienced classic Disney magic as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy brought smiles and cheer to their ecstatic audience this afternoon.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation India was responsible for inviting the stars from Disney as part of its India outreach programme.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of India works with The Walt Disney Company in India to fulfill children's (between the ages of 3 and 18 living with life-threatening illnesses) cherished Disney wishes.
The wish of a child could be to have his own bicycle, be a cop, see the Taj Mahal or meet a popular personality. The foundation believes that fulfillment of the most cherished wish of a child can give back what a sickness takes away - strength, hope and joy and actually have a therapeutic effect.
Commenting on the occasion Make-A-Wish Foundation of India CEO Sharmistha Adyanthaya said, "The Foundation wishes to convey our heartfelt thanks to Disney for their commitment to bringing hope and joy to children with life-threatening illnesses. We are delighted to be associating our foundation with the 'Disney Magic' Outreach initiative that will bring this first ever magical experience in India to our wish children. The number of these children in India is rapidly growing and the long-term association with various Outreach initiatives of the Disney Worldwide Outreach in India will allow us to reach many more of them. A wish fulfillment makes a sick child believe that anything is possible, even the future, making the impact of this association immeasurable."
The Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain said, "It is heartening to see the children's eyes light up with happiness and laughter each time they come closer to any Disney experience the world over. Disney has immense respect for the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It gives me great pride to continue this association in India, which is over 25 years old in other parts of the world. Through all of our outreach programs and our work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we are committed to supporting the realization of special wishes of children that bring joy to them in so many meaningful ways."
