Disney characters bring joy to the Montreal Children’s Hospital

Laughter and excitement filled the air when Mickey and Minnie Mouse paid a visit to the Montreal Children’s Hospital on Wednesday.

Around 40 children of health-care workers and young patients had the chance to snap photos with the Disney characters. Families also received tickets to watch Disney on Ice at the Bell Centre.

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation teamed up with Disney to give health-care workers a break with their families.

“It’s really an opportunity for us to be able to show the health-care workers that we are here for them. We are here to support them. I think that the community knows how hard our health-care worker’s work,” said Marie-Hélène Laramée, president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

“It’s so fun because we got to take pictures and I got to hug Mickey,” said Maya Kanaan, a patient at the hospital.

Kanaan’s mother, Melanie Iannuzzi, says the event is a kind gesture.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing to do for the children and for the parents to enjoy some happy times, you know, because there have been difficult times along the way. So, definitely puts a smile on my kid’s faces and that makes us happy,” said Iannuzzi.

For one Montreal skater, the performance is extra special this time around.

“I’ve traveled around the world with Disney on Ice, but I’ve never been able to perform and be at home with the company. So, it’s been really exciting to be able to have shows here in Montreal and also to be able to do events like this for my community,” said Lianne Short.

Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance will run from March 6 to March 9.