Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recognizes foster parents for their extraordinary commitment to children in need

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort joined Social Welfare Department and artiste Gaile Lai to recognize about 80 foster parents in Hong Kong for their extraordinary commitment to taking care of children in need. Their love and care provides a healthy foundation for the lives of these children.

Today’s tour started at the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong Disneyland. The foster children with Gaile’s help presented heart-shaped balloons to their foster parents and Disney friends Donald and Daisy also joined the happy group for a photo.

Katherine Wang, Director of External Affairs, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort said, “At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we aim to bring joy to children and their families, and at the same time, we are also concerned about the well-being of children in our community. A stable and loving family is vital for children to grow healthily. The Resort is glad to join forces with the Social Welfare Department to recognize the exceptional work of these foster parents. They are VIPs in the eyes of these children.”

Galie said, “I am very excited to join the children in thanking their VIPs. I hope more families will join the fostering service and help these children in need. It was also great fun, of course, to spend the day at my favorite theme park!”

Mr and Mrs Chai were two of the foster parents who attended today. They have been foster parents for more than 10 years. By joining the Foster Care and Emergency Foster Care Service Scheme run by the Social Welfare Department, the couple has taken care of over 60 children whose parents cannot adequately take care of them due to various family problems. Mrs Chai said, “Both of us love children so we decided to devote ourselves to giving children in need a happy family life until they can return to their families or be adopted.” Mr Chai thinks that appropriate guidance is vital as a child grows. “Our foster children have included newborn babies and children aged from five to eight. Their personalities can vary a lot, but their need for love and guidance are all the same.”

Ka Po, a University student, was one of the foster children who took the opportunity to thank her foster parents at the Resort, “I sincerely thank my foster parents for their love when I was little. They protected me well and I will never forget how they loved me. Though I am not living with them now, I miss them very much and visit them often.”

The Resort arranged a “Star Guest” * experience for the foster families and they experienced many magical moments. The group also enjoyed many of HKDL’s attractions.

*Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has launched an exciting appreciation campaign – the Star Guest Program which runs from March 6 to May 31, 2009. The Star Guest Program provides Guests with an exciting way to show those Very Important People – VIP(s) in their lives just how important they are by making them the center of attention at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Cast Members are ready to create magical and touching memories that will last a lifetime for VIP(s) who receive a Star Guest Badge. When these Star Guest Badge bearing VIPs step onto Main Street U.S.A., they will be surrounded by themed decorations, colorful banners and a sea of warm smiles, as all eyes turn to them. Additional special experiences such as the Star Pass, Star Finale and Star Tour further complement and enhance the Star Guest Program.