BEARS like Paddington are very rare. And a good thing too, if you ask me, or it would cost us a small fortune in marmalade.
Fans of the famous Paddington Bear have been invited to an exclusive advance screening of Paddington 2, the follow-up to the 2014 smash hit family film, in Cairns on December 3.
Sick children in Far North Queensland will benefit from ticket sales to the event at three city cinemas.
Thanks to a partnership between Event Hospitality and Entertainment (EVENT) and film distributor StudioCanal, the proceeds from every ticket sold in Cairns will be donated directly to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, to help give sick and injured kids access to the best possible paediatric care.
Foundation fundraising and events co-ordinator Lindsay McDonnell said since 2015, Event (including local Rydges hotels) had provided more than $40,000 to the Foundation. “This has come about through payroll deductions, staff fundraising functions, gold coin donations and the company matching donations,” Ms McDonnell said.
Event Cinemas Regional Queensland Marketing Manager Deanne Clark said the company was thrilled to be supporting such a meaningful initiative.
“This year will mark the seventh annual charity screening which has seen over $580, 000 raised from this initiative alone around! In addition, our food and beverage team have confirmed they will donate $2 from every Paddington 2 Combo sold on the day, to add to the fundraising,” Ms Clark said.
The much-anticipated sequel looks every bit as charming and whimsical as the first film, and finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.
While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, he spots a unique pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the culprit. Ben Whishaw is again voicing the titular mischief-maker, with Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson joining the cast.
Tickets for this exclusive advance charity screening of PADDINGTON 2 will cost $12* each and can be bought online at eventcinemas.com.au or at cinema box offices.
StudioCanal’s PADDINGTON 2 releases in theatres nationwide on December 26, 2016
Buy tickets HERE
Photo: Flynn Clark cannot wait for the Paddington 2 charity screening.
