Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently announced 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 have launched 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, the program is dedicated to transforming a child’s most cherished dream into a reality, leaving them with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. 
Wishes Start Here held its official 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. 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, and Fairmont, with its expertise in hospitality, has brought the concept to life on the grandest level.
Guests at the unveiling were invited to explore The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse, designed entirely by kids, for kids. The custom build playhouse includes all the magical elements that Make-A-Wish children wished for – such as special building games, a spiral slide, space for endless dancing, and a living room filled with teddies.
Onsite for the special event were Mansi Vagt, Global Brand Leader & Vice President Fairmont Brand, Accor Hotels; Ralitza Iordanova, VP Global Brand Partnerships, Accor Hotels; Brendan Carlin, General Manager of Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Michelle Heston, Executive Director Public Relations, US West and US East regions, Accor Hotels, with special guest Make-A-Wish® America CEO, Richard K. Davis.
Richard K. Davis
“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. Introducing global partnership program Wishes Start Here – dedicated to providing one-of-a-kind experiences that transform children’s lives and help create lasting memories at our Fairmont hotels around the world,” commented Vagt.
(l-r) Ralitza Iordanova and Mansi Vagt
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.
For the latest updates on Wishes Start Here program, please visit https://www.fairmont.com/wishesstarthere/.
Photos: Daniel Kelleghan Photography.