In partnership with Make-A-Wish, an NGO working with terminally-ill children, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will launch a new global programme called ‘Wishes Start Here,’ that will help transform children’s lives and turn their dreams into reality.

After nearly two decades of working closely together at multiple locations across Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched a global partnership with Make-A-Wish, a non-profit organisation that helps fulfill wishes of children with critical condition.

Together, Fairmont and Make-A-Wish will launch a new global programme, Wishes Start Here.

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, the new programme will provide unique experiences that will help transform children’s lives and leave them with lasting memories.

Mansi Vagt, Global Brand Leader & Vice President Fairmont Brand, Accor says Fairmont and Make-A-Wish have enjoyed a wonderful relationship, hosting many families and their inspiring children for nearly 20 years.

“Our hotels are known for being embedded into the fabric of their communities and the work this incredible organisation does is very near and dear to our hearts. We have been honoured 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,” Vagt adds.

Wishes Start Here will officially kick-off with a family celebration and launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse on July 31, at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, at San Diego in United States.

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 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 it.

“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,” says Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International.

With the goal of granting more than 500 wishes and donating Euro 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 also a dedicated ‘Wish Dish’ selection on menus that will include a donation to the foundation.