News

A Christmas Toy Story


Christmas will be a little brighter this year for 17,000 deserving children who are to receive toys and gifts from Capital Radio's charity, Help a London Child (HALC). The toys are being donated by The Walt Disney Company.

Through gift giving, the annual HALC Christmas appeal ensures that the children involved can enjoy an extra special Christmas. Disney first became involved in the Christmas appeal in 2001, as part of its outreach activities, and has been the main sponsor since 2002.

The task of distributing some 23,000 toys and gifts begins this week and runs until early December, with volunteers from Capital Radio and Disney VoluntEARS* teaming up to pack up the toys ready for distribution to every borough of London.

Separate to the Christmas appeal, HALC, throughout the rest of the year supports a range of children's organisations and charities with the donation of small and large grants. The monies typically go to groups that work with children who embody the effects of abuse, illness, poverty, disability and homelessness.

Tamsyn Clark, Fundraising Manager HALC, says: "It's heartening to see just how much joy the distribution of presents brings to lots of deserving children's lives. However, the work does not stop here as HALC supports many thousands of children in other more practical ways throughout the year."

Cindy Rose, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Walt Disney International UK, Ireland, Middle East and Southern Mediterranean Regions, commented: "For the fifth year in a row, Disney is proud to be the key partner in this important campaign with a total contribution of �1 million to date. We hope that our continued efforts will serve to create a better, happier Christmas for many London children."

Help a London Child:
Help a London Child provides hundreds of small and large grants to children's charities across the capital. The large grants enable HALC to respond with impact upon areas of children's welfare that require immediate attention.

Since its launch in 1975, Help a London Child has donated more than 16 million pounds to children in London. Last year the charity raised over 2 million pounds.

To make a donation to the HALC Christmas appeal, please donate online at www.capitalfm.com/halc or send a cheque to: Help a London Child, 30 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LA

About Disney's Outreach
Disney is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment.

In 2005, Disney contributed more than $190 million in cash, in-kind support and public service air time globally. Disney VoluntEARS, employees who volunteer their time and expertise in their communities, also contributed more than 442,000 hours of service to outreach projects around the world. For more information on Disney's outreach initiatives, please visit please visit www.DisneyHand.co.uk

Disney first became involved in the HALC Christmas appeal in 2001, as part of its outreach activities, and has committed �1 million worth of support since 2002, including given by Disney VoluntEARS.

*The Disney VoluntEARS programme began in the UK in 1999 and employees have participated across the country; from mural painting in Ireland and London, to employees based in London tutoring reading to children at local Primary Schools. In all, over 14,000 hours have been contributed by its UK employees. Disney VoluntEARS have given a total of 300 hours of time to the HALC Christmas appeal since 2002.

Further Information:
John Ashworth, HALC Publicity.
Tel: 0771 218 3772, 0207 054 8387
[email protected]

Claire Lusher, The Walt Disney Company Corporate Communications
Tel: 0208 222 2025
[email protected]