Fairmont Granting More than 500 Wishes and Donating $1 Million in Charitable Support

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. 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. 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.

Wishes Start Here officially kicked off with a family celebration and launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego this summer. In recent years, one of the most favourite 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 are invited to explore the custom-built Playhouse, designed entirely by kids, for kids, available at Fairmont Grand Del Mar until November 7th.  From there, the playhouse will travel to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for Christmas at The Princess from November 18, 2022, to February 2, 2023, before moving to a new Fairmont hotel delighting kids and kids-at-heart. The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse includes all the dream elements that Make-A-Wish children wished for – such as oodles of building games, a spiral slide, space for endless dancing and a beautiful living room filled with teddies. 

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.

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.

Anyone interested in visiting the playhouse at Fairmont Grand Del Mar can make a reservation here. Reservations are not required to experience the playhouse at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Zoomer Offer – Receive 20% Off the daily rate and a $50 Dining Credit per stay on a 2 night minimum stay.

 

TRAVELLER TIP: Become a member of Fairmont’s loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless to earn Reward points at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess & Fairmont Grand Del Mar during your stay. Enroll Now at all.accor.com.

Bonus CARP Membership Offer: Click HERE to receive a complimentary night at participating Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.