Toy Story 3 Screenings the Biggest Charity Premiere Event in Hong Kong

As "Toy Story 3" premiered last week in Hong Kong the Walt Disney Company invited more than 2,000 guests from 11 local charities to screenings of the film making it the biggest charity premiere event in Hong Kong. The screenings were held in support of the Family Council’s ‘Happy Family Campaign’ 2010.

“The Happy Family Campaign continues to focus on promoting family core values, namely love and care, respect and responsibility, and communication and harmony among Hong Kong families, and we are pleased to receive support from this record-setting event from Disney, which shares the same family focus,” said Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs.

Florence Hui, Under Secretary, Home Affairs Bureau (fifth from left); Carol Choi, Vice President, Theatrical Productions and Live Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company Greater China (fifth from right); Bob Vallone, Director and General Manager of Lark International Multimedia Limited (of which UA Cinemas is a part) (fourth from left); June Wong, General Manager, Multiplex Cinema Limited (fourth from right); Representatives from NGOs and “Toy Story 3” stars Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

“One hundred Disney VoluntEARS are very proud to be part of this event, the biggest 3-D premiere in Hong Kong and we are delighted to play host to the 2000 participants.  Together with our cinema sponsors, we hope to bring more memorable family experiences to community groups,” said Carol Choi, Vice President, Theatrical Productions and Live Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company Greater China.

“This is not the first time for our children to join Disney’s movie events, which are a part of our broader collaboration with Disney. While other people take movie-going for granted, it is a real treat for our kids, and many of them will treasure this 3-D cinema experience with their families,” said Marcia Aw, Executive Director, Changing Young Lives Hong Kong, one of the participating organizations.

It was the first time for single mother Lo Kit and her three daughters to watch an animated movie at the cinema and they were very excited.  Lo Kit said, “We are not an affluent family and cannot afford to watch a movie at the cinema.  Paying for four tickets is a big expense for us.  We are so happy that we have been invited to watch ‘Toy Story 3’ today.”  Lo Kit said that although they cannot afford to spend much on leisure, it is most important for the whole family to stay harmonious.  Lo Kit always spends time playing with her three daughters and teaching them how to share with others to enrich their lives.

Now over 5,000 have enjoyed movie experiences through the Disney Movie Outreach Program.The "Toy Story 3" screenings were organized jointly by The Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, who provided transportation and Hong Kong-exclusive movie souvenirs for all participating charities, in conjunction with UA Cinemas and MCL Cinemas who provided the venue and complimentary popcorn and drinks.

Source: Disney Press Release, edited: LaughingPlace.com