The world looks very different today than it did one week ago, and this morning Give Kids The World Village was forced to do something is never wants to do, close down. An announcement was made this morning by Give Kids The World President Pam Landwirth.
It reads in part,
“As we all navigate the ever-changing situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) please know that our focus remains steadfast on the children and families we serve just as it has been for the last 34 years.”
“The health and safety of our wish families, volunteers, supporters and staff remains our number one priority. As good citizens, we are taking the necessary actions to keep everyone involved safe and to do our part to help prevent the spread of this global pandemic.”
All Village operations will be suspended until April 1, 2020 at which time they will reassess the situation and consider if it is safe and appropriate to reopen.
Give Kids The World Village is a destination resort with the sole purposes of delivering once in a life time dream vacations to children who are battling life threatening illnesses and their families. When a wish is made by a child to visit one of Central Florida’s amazing theme parks, they stay at The Village.
While the Village does have some of its own attractions and entertainment, it doesn’t make sense for it to stay open when the theme parks are closed. It’s also likely not safe for children, many of whom have compromised immune systems to risk exposure to Coronavirus.
The update from GKTW Village also stated that “all volunteer shifts have been cancelled and our employees will continue to be compensated.”
Give Kids The World has always been a top rated nonprofit. They rely on the generous support of companies and the labor of volunteers to keep their administrative costs very low allowing them to spend the vast majority of their budget on programs for the children and families they support.
Many of these volunteers come from the theme parks and local resorts themselves. They do everything from serve food, host parades and shows, and bring a magical moment with Mickey Mouse for children and their families to the village.
I’m sure this was a very difficult decision for Give Kids The World, but these are difficult times. Read the full update from Give Kids the World President Pam Landwirth here.
I’m sure GKTW can use some extra financial support to make it through this unprecedented era. If you can afford to, I know they’ll appreciate even a small donation.