10,000 underprivileged children get ‘Disney on Ice’ Christmas treat

By Nikko Dizon

True Christmas happiness filled the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with the oohs and aahs, laughter and cheers from nearly 10,000 underprivileged children who were treated to a fantastic Yuletide gift yesterday.

A free show of "Disney on Ice: 100 years of Magic" was slated especially for orphanages and charitable institutions devoted to the care and teaching of underprivileged children aged three to 10.

Children of soldiers, who were injured and wounded in the war in Mindanao, as well as wards of the Quezon City government, were also invited.

The entire seating capacity of the Big Dome for the matinee show was blocked off especially for them.

The special performance of Mickey Mouse, Mulan, Snow White, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear, and many other Disney stars for charity is Araneta Coliseum’s "Handog para sa Bata" project.

Among the leading sponsors of the show were the Philippine Cabinet Spouses Foundation, Araneta Center, Inc., and the Quezon City government led by Mayor Sonny Belmonte.

"We are happy to brighten up the hearts of the indigent children this Christmas through the skating show. We hope this humble gesture of charity would give more meaning to this season of sharing," said Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, senior executive vice-president of the Araneta Center and an active member of the Cabinet Spouses Foundation. Mrs. Roxas is the mother of Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas.

Among the charity institutions that participated were the Mission of Charity of Mother Teresa, Trinitarian Handmade of the Divine Word, Emmanus Center for Children, Barangay Sapang Palay Center, Tulay Buhay Foundation, Laura Vicuna Foundation, Kalahi Cultural/Earthsavers Outreach Program, and Elim Outreach Ministry for Children.