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Magical Disney characters came alive in the classrooms of a preschool in Barbar as children, parents and members of staff rallied round to help raise funds for Bahrain’s very own ‘dog-father’ Tony Waters.
Little Gems was transformed into a Disney-style wonderland with music from cartoons and feature films adding to the atmosphere as Cinderella, Snow White and other fun toons stole the show.
Around 230 cheerful children, aged between two and five, also dressed up as their favourite heroes and villains donating fees of 500 fils to the cause. The adults contributed BD1.
The money will help the ‘dog-father’ run his Second Chance rescue and rehabilitation centre. Currently Mr Waters has 140 abandoned cats, 100 unwanted dogs, a donkey, an array of parrots and parakeets, two monkeys and a ferret staying in his villa and garden.
A new sanctuary is in the process of being set up following news that buildings on his old compound are about to be demolished. New kennels for the animals are also being built by Project Construction.
Principal Eleanor Benson said: “It’s a really nice feeling to see how happy the children are and they also get to help out a worthy cause.
“Disney Day has put a smile on all their little faces and the parents too. In fact, many came dancing into school and some adults even asked if they could stay with the children. Everyone really got into the spirit of things!
“We had teachers dressed as Snow White, Wicked Witches, Pocahontas and even a Cinderella. I definitely think we will be having Disney Day once-a-year dedicated to different charities. It has been good for staff morale as well as for the pupils.”
A giant Sheriff Woody mascot from the Toy Story films arrived courtesy of events management company Gallure Communications and added to the atmosphere.
Mrs Benson added: “The second part of the charity fundraising event was for children to have their photo taken with Woody on stage. We are already getting orders for the pictures.”
A further BD3 from each print will go to the cause. Louise Copeman-Hill, mother of two-year-old Amy, said: “My daughter was very excited to come to school and she loved seeing Woody when she came in. She was looking forward to seeing what her friends were wearing and was very happy to bring in a donation for the cats!”
Joanne Tunstall, four-year-old Ethan’s mother, said: “Ethan was really excited and loved coming to school in his Peter Pan costume. His eyes lit up when he saw Woody and he kept giving him hugs!”
Angela Fanton, mother of Gaia, aged four, added: “The Disney Day was a great idea!”
More than BD560 has been raised so far and children have also donated tins of pet food and accessories including collars and leashes.
