Disney launches ‘Jessie Saves the Day’ to support children’s hospitals
Disney unveils a 'Toy Story' short to support hospitals before sequel release
The Walt Disney Company has launched a new Toy Story-themed short film, Jessie Saves the Day, as part of a philanthropic campaign aimed at bringing comfort and entertainment to children receiving treatment in hospitals across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Variety reported the animated short arrives ahead of the release of Toy Story 5 and forms part of Disney’s wider initiative, The Magic of Movies, which supports seriously ill children through hospital partnerships and entertainment programmes.
Jessie and Friends Help Ease a Child’s Fears
The short follows a young girl waiting nervously to undergo an X-ray examination on her foot while holding her favourite toys, Mr. Potato Head and Jessie.
When Buzz Lightyear declares, “Mission: this kid needs our help!”, the toys spring into action. They create their own playful X-ray images and place them where the child can see them, helping ease her anxiety before the medical procedure.
The story is designed to highlight the importance of comfort, friendship and reassurance during challenging moments for young patients.
Campaign Invites Fans to Support Local Hospitals
As part of The Magic of Movies campaign, Disney is also encouraging fans to nominate hospitals through its EMEA platform for opportunities to receive special Disney-themed experiences and support.
The initiative builds on Disney’s long-running efforts to bring entertainment into healthcare settings through its Movie Moments programme.
Disney Expands Hospital Entertainment Programme
Disney’s Movie Moments initiative works alongside charities and healthcare organisations to provide children with access to films, mobile movie theatres and streaming content during hospital stays.
The programme delivers screenings of new releases and classic Disney titles, while also offering subscriptions to Disney+ and other entertainment resources intended to provide distraction and comfort during treatment.
Disney Highlights Power of Toy Story Characters
According to Lee Jury, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Disney EMEA, the campaign draws on the enduring popularity of the Toy Story franchise and its themes of friendship and belonging.
“For generations, audiences have connected with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the Toy Story gang because of the friendship, loyalty and sense of belonging at the heart of their stories,” Jury said.
“As excitement builds for Toy Story 5, we’re proud to use the power of these much-loved characters to help bring comfort and joy to children who need it most.”
Jessie Saves the Day is now available on YouTube, while Toy Story 5 is set to arrive in cinemas on June 19.
