At Disneyland Paris, Cast Members not only bring the magic to life for guests, but they also take joy in helping others and brightening communities! Among them, Sylvain is responsible for coordinating the donations of Disneyland Paris’ merchandise and food products to nonprofit organizations. Read on to find out more about his role and daily activities!
Sylvain, can you tell us what your role at Disneyland Paris involves?
My role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities. I handle requests from nonprofit organizations that have specific needs, such as merchandise, food products, hotel furniture, etc. Disneyland Paris donates these items to various nonprofit organizations.
What was your professional path within the company like?
I began taking part in the magic-making experience in 2007 as an apprentice waiter at the Yacht Club restaurant of the Disney Newport Bay Club hotel. My apprenticeship journey then continued at Disney Sequoia Lodge, where I received training to become a Housekeeping Team Leader. After earning diplomas in the fields of hospitality and food & beverage operations, I was given the opportunity to step into a leadership role. During the seven years that followed, I leveraged my skills to be a Team Leader at the housekeeping departments of three different hotels. Then I joined the Design & Delivery team to assist project coordinators in organizing office spaces for Cast Members in support roles. 2022 marked the start of the current chapter of my career within the CSR team.
When you describe your missions and the contributions you bring to nonprofit organizations, we can feel a deep sense of pride.
I am very proud of my missions for sure! First of all, I love to bring happiness to those who need it most. Having a job that involves helping people is incredibly fulfilling! I’m impressed by the number of Cast Members who get involved and donate their free time to participate in the various donation drives hosted at Disneyland Paris! I am also touched when nonprofit organizations come to collect the donated items. The beautiful smiles they share and the appreciation they express as we load the items into their vehicles are always very heartwarming. Additionally, our work is recognized across all Disney Parks around the world, since my colleagues from overseas are always interested in hearing about the donation initiatives we undertake at Disneyland Paris. I am truly fortunate to be able to coordinate all of these awe-inspiring actions, which are made possible thanks to the invaluable support of Disney VoluntEARS – volunteers who team up with nonprofit organizations to give underprivileged families the opportunity to experience unforgettable moments. My dedication extends beyond my job, as I am also part of our wonderful VoluntEARS family!
Could you describe your profession in three words?
Three words are not enough to describe the wide range of missions I carry out! However, if I had to sum them up in one short sentence, it would be “bringing happiness.” These two words represent the core purpose of everything we do with our internal partners, and they inspire me every day!
I am not only driven by the exceptional moments we share with nonprofit organizations, but I’m also impressed by the generosity of our friendly Cast Members, who are always delighted to donate personal belongings during our various donation drives. Finally, each opportunity I have to collaborate with our volunteers brings its share of emotions. These three words best capture the essence of my job!
Disneyland Paris donations
Disneyland Paris redistributes magic to those who need it most
Throughout the year, Disneyland Paris distributes donations of themed articles, food products, furniture and accessories throughout France and Europe, thanks to its collaboration with numerous French and European associations such as Le Secours Populaire, The Red Cross, Les Restos du Coeur and La Banque Alimentaire.
In 2024, over 3 million products were donated to some twenty associations.
Disneyland Paris also regularly distributes bedding, hotel furniture and decorations, as well as office furniture and IT equipment that can be used to meet the needs of an association.
The engagement of Disney VoluntEARS
The Disney VoluntEARS enthusiastically help to wrap and distribute the gifts. Every Christmas, they mobilize their families and friends to wrap gifts for hospitalized children all over France. Last December, over 7,000 gifts were distributed to over 60 hospitals in France and Belgium!
Throughout the year, some donations are collected from Cast Members and Disney VoluntEARS. For example, at the start of the school year in September 2024, they were very generous in donating school supplies for children in need. At holiday time, they were also on hand to donate toys for the children. This month, for International Women’s Day and in partnership with nonprofit association La Cravate Solidaire, Cast Members donated some of their dresses for the work insertion of associations beneficiaries.