Fairmont Hotels & Resorts And Make-A-Wish Launch New Program, Wishes Start Here
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce its first global partnership with Make-A-Wish®, after nearly two decades of working closely together at multiple locations across Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
Wishes Start Here
Together, Fairmont and Make-A-Wish are launching a new global program, Wishes Start Here, to provide one-of-a-kind experiences that transform children’s lives and help create lasting memories. Whether it’s transforming a child into a princess, a cowboy, or a chef; providing a dream vacation destination; or simply giving the whole family a special place to stay at the end of their day’s adventures – Wishes Start Here is dedicated to transforming a child’s most cherished dream into a reality, leaving them with incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
Granting more than 500 children’s wishes
Over the next three years, Fairmont is committed to making more than 500 children’s wishes come true, while donating €1 million 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 & Vice President Fairmont Brand, Accor.
“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.”
Wishes Start Here officially kicks off with a playhouse
Wishes Start Here will officially kick-off with a family celebration and launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse on July 31st, 2022 at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, in San Diego. In recent years, one of the most favorite wishes by Make-A-Wish children is for a playhouse, and Fairmont, with its expertise in hospitality, has brought the concept to life on the grandest level.
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 will be unveiled and opened for real-life fun and enjoyment at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Guests will be invited to explore the custom-built Playhouse, designed entirely by kids, for kids.
The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse
The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse includes all the dream elements that Make-A-Wish children wished for – such as oodles of building games, spiral slide, space for endless dancing and a beautiful living room filled with teddies.
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 Ultimate Kids’ 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. “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.’’
Incoming fundraising events
With the goal of granting more than 500 wishes and donating €1 million 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.
“Team members across Accor are passionate about supporting children’s causes and Fairmont has been continuously motivated by the tireless work of Make-A-Wish and the proven evidence that incorporating wishes as part of a child’s medical plan provides hope and anticipation for the future,” said Ralitza Iordanova, VP Global Brand Partnerships, Accor.
“With so many wishes travel-related, we believe Fairmont can play a huge role in making wishes come true. Given the history between our two brands at many of our destinations, strengthening our relationship with Make-A-Wish by expanding it to the global level seems like a natural evolution and a perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact among our communities worldwide.”
A strong, impactful partnership
Fairmont and Make-A-Wish began their work together almost 20 years ago. Fairmont originally initiated a program called Room at the Inn in 1993, offering complimentary room nights at its hotels across Canada, to families visiting loved ones in the hospital. This inspired a connection with Make-A-Wish and Fairmont Rooms From the Heart was introduced in 2003. Rooms From the Heart combined an annual donation and a series of wish granting that was supported by a network of colleagues volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Prior to the launch of this exciting global partnership, Fairmont locations throughout North & Central America have worked with Make-A-Wish granting wishes, hosting events and supporting the organization through a variety of on-property fundraising efforts over the years. Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, a long-time Make-A-Wish supporter, regularly welcomes Make-A-Wish kids and their families to the hotel, providing accommodations, as well as other special touches, as part of their wish trips.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, through its Trees of Hope holiday fundraising program, recently provided a brand new gaming desktop – complete with a pizza party – to a 13-year-old wish recipient. Fairmont San Francisco partnered with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area for the 2021 holiday season and unveiled its popular gingerbread house with the help of a local Make-A-Wish child and her family, continuing to collect donations throughout the holiday season.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s ‘Make-A-Wish Dish’ was featured on menus throughout December 2021 and raised over $1,000 for the organization.
“It’s a true pleasure to be able to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality companies in Fairmont Hotels & Resorts as our newest sponsor,” said Richard K. Davis, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. “Fairmont has a stated mission to transform moments into priceless memories, and that’s something they’ll undoubtedly be able to do for all of the wish kids whose wishes will come true thanks to Fairmont’s generous support.”
For the latest updates on Wishes Start Here program, please visit here. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit here.
See you there, San Diego!
