Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently announced a global partnership with Make-A-Wish, the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization. The alliance cements nearly two decades of working closely together at multiple locations across Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
The new global program is called Wishes Start Here and provides one-of-a-kind experiences that transform children’s lives and help create lasting memories, like sending them to a dream vacation destination, transforming them into a princess or chef, or giving the whole family a place to stay at the end of an adventure-filled day. Over the next three years, Fairmont is committed to making more than 500 children’s wishes come true while donating €1 million (approx. US$1,018,500 at press time) in charitable support.
“Fairmont and Make-A-Wish have enjoyed a wonderful relationship, hosting many families and their inspiring children for nearly twenty years,” said Mansi Vagt, global brand leader and v.p. Fairmont Brand, Accor, in a press statement. “Our hotels are known for being embedded into the fabric of their communities and the work this incredible organization does is very near and dear to our hearts. We have been honored to do more than just offer an exciting place to stay, and have worked with the fantastic teams at Make-A-Wish in many of our locations to create unique experiences that turn dreams into a reality for so many children. The magic of one wish can change a life and we’re absolutely delighted to extend this important partnership to our Fairmont hotels globally.”
The Wishes Start Here program officially kicked off with the launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse on July 31, 2022, at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, in San Diego. Earlier this year, Make-A-Wish children were invited to an ideation session at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with a mission to design The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse. The result was unveiled and opened for real-life fun and enjoyment at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, where guests were invited to explore the custom-built Playhouse, designed entirely by kids, for kids.
The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse will remain on-site at Fairmont Grand Del Mar all summer, with tickets available to the public throughout August and September. All ticket proceeds will be donated directly to Make-A-Wish. The Playhouse will move on to other Fairmont properties in major regions worldwide, allowing families everywhere to experience the magic.
“We are thrilled to have strengthened our partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and are excited by their renewed commitment to making an impact on our mission globally—to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world,” said Luciano Manzo, ceo of Make-A-Wish International, in a press statement. “For wish kids and their families, an amazing trip can be a transformative experience and the global Fairmont community is uniquely prepared to help make more wishes come true.’’
To reach their charitable goal over this three-year global partnership, Fairmont will introduce several fundraising events at hotels around the world to offer guests the opportunity to join them in their pledge to Make-A-Wish. In addition to The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse, other exciting initiatives will include pool parties for Make-A-Wish kids, Make a Friend Play Dates with Fairmont guests, locals, and Make-A-Wish children and a dedicated Wish Dish selection on menus that will include a donation to the foundation. Fairmont colleagues worldwide will also have the chance to contribute more ideas and provide direct support through ongoing events and fundraising activities.
For more information, visit fairmont.com.
