DCL: Cast & Crew Salute 25 Years of Giving Back to Communities with the Disney VoluntEARS Program

In 2008, cast and crew members celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Disney VoluntEARS program and its commitment to giving back to local communities around the world. At Disney Cruise Line, VoluntEARS contributed over 4,000 hours of service benefitting children, families and the environment with their personal time and expertise.

On the ships, crew members took part in the first-ever Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS Week, with activities and events supporting multiple port communities. From painting murals for hospitals and care facilities to raising funds for wildlife conservation, crew members from every department got involved to make a difference.

Painting for Smiles

Partnering with the Foundation for Hospital Art, an organization dedicated to the healing power of art, crew members painted three different murals themed to “it’s a small world.” Once complete, the bright and colorful pieces were donated to a children’s hospital in Norfolk, Va, where our ships go through regular renovations as part of scheduled dry dock periods.


“Hospital Art is one of my favorite volunteer projects,” said Nicola Gill, Senior Costume Technician. “It’s amazing to think that something we painted on the ship is bringing a smile to a child in a hospital miles away.”


This year, crew members donated 280 hours to create and deliver a total of seven different murals, bringing Disney art to care facilities in Disney Cruise Line ports of call.

Making New Friends

In Nassau, Bahamas, crew members visited the Bahamas Humane Society to help care for animals at the facility. VoluntEARS bathed, walked and played with their furry friends.

“Getting to spend time with the animals means so much to me,” said Kirsten Manson, Entertainment Manager. “We are able to give them some much needed attention, when really they give us so much more.”

The visit was part of an ongoing program of weekly visits to the shelter.

Walking for Wildlife

At times making their way through a crowd of cheering guests, more than 130 VoluntEARS from the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Castaway Cay took part in separate 5-K walks across the island to raise funds for animal conservation efforts supported by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF).

“It was great knowing that so many different departments came together for the walk,” said Allen Wilson, Animal Programs Manager. “Each week, guests show their commitment to conservation by giving to the DWCF. I was proud to see our crew get excited about supporting this great cause.”

The walk generated over $5,400 for DWCF programs, supporting wildlife, wild places and the people to work to protect them around the globe.