That Magic That Only Disney Can Bring

During our time at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, you may think my favourite part was the time at the parks, or the Disney Dream cruise, or the Castaway Cay experience…there is so much I will be forever grateful for. All those things created special memories with my family, and that means everything to me.

But this is why I need to share something even more magical with you. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the health of my three boys. It is precisely why I created Shopping From The Heart.ca It was my way of thanking the hospitals that helped my children on their first days on earth. I have written many times about my twins and their stay at the NICU. I am forever grateful to the healthcare that we received during that time.  I never take their health for granted and I am so thankful I can offer them amazing incredible things, like family trips to Disney, to celebrate them as often as possible.

Not everyone is as fortunate as we are. Many children are faced with terrible illnesses, debilitating health and fatal diseases. These children are the ones that need Disney the most. One speaker that touched my heart forever was John Breckow, Director of Corporate Citizenship for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. He actually spoke twice to us during our conference times, and I made it a point to speak with him privately after about #SFTHmtl.

John oversees the philanthropic and giving efforts across Disney parks worldwide. The stories that he shared about Disney and their “yes” attitude to help families every time, gave me goosebumps. With every word John spoke, my heart raced faster with the thought of doing more, and being more to others.

It shouldn’t be a surprise, but maybe it is impossible to imagine if you have not experienced it, but going to Disney when someone in your family is deathly ill, allows for everyone in the family to “be normal” and celebrate together for a moment. I have been in that situation (more on that later) and I have witnessed others in that moment at Disney. Hugging so tightly as they watch the fireworks, seeing the biggest smiles of sick children participating on the floats in the park parades, character meet and greets that spark pure joy…this is Disney. This is the power of pixie dust. And clinically, it can actually help. Children have been known to feel better before their trips to Disney in anticipation for the event, and hold on to that magic long after they return. Imagine?! How special is THAT!

Disney has partnered with Points of Light, to launch a new complimentary ticket program that rewards nonprofit organizations and schools with Disney theme park tickets for hosting, or participating in, family volunteer activities.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS?!

Watch:

It’s true!!

Thanks to the efforts of my volunteers, my children who volunteer and myself, Disney has donated four hopper pass tickets to the Disney Parks for Shopping From The Heart!!

Disney believes that community events such as SFTHmtl are of such high value for families because they are events that empower children and help to make the world brighter.

I am over-the-moon excited for this donation and I am SO grateful to Disney for honouring us with these tickets to help raise more money for the Lakeshore Hospital Foundation.

To learn more about SFTHmtl and to RSVP your tickets, visit ShoppingFromTheHeart.ca

The tickets will be raffled off at the event on May 10^th. If you are in Montreal, come and support this amazing event and who knows, maybe you will be off to Disney!