Merlin’s Magic Wand is a unique charitable organisation which was set up in 2008 by Merlin Entertainments (‘Merlin’) to deliver magical experiences to seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children across the world. Already over 110,000 children and their families have been able to enjoy a magical day out at a Merlin attraction courtesy of Merlin's Magic Wand.
These trips are made possible by the provision of attraction tickets (which come directly from Merlin at no cost to the Charity) and travel grants which are provided thanks to Merlin's Magic Wand’s fundraising. Merlin's Magic Wand is able to give the gift of a magical day out, which means so much to the people we support.
We also recognise that some children, due to their illness or disability, are physically unable to visit Merlin attractions. This is why we launched our outreach project in 2010 ‘Taking the Magic to the Children’ which involves creating and delivering bespoke Merlin featured entertainment installations for children’s organisations, hospices and hospitals that are local to our attractions. To date three projects have been completed; a Fantastical Castle play area in CHASE Hospice in Guildford, a LEGOLAND play area at Kolding Sygehus Children’s Hospital in Billund, Denmark and a LEGOLAND themed Holiday cottage at the Sunshine Foundation in Florida, there are plans for many more of these projects in the future.
Each of Merlin’s 94 attractions supports Merlin's Magic Wand by fundraising, hosting visits, raising awareness and identifying children that would benefit from our support. Since 2008 fundraising from attractions totals over £500,000.
We are lucky to get lots of thank you letters from the families that we support. This is a comment form one mum; ‘I don’t know how long I have my son for so your treat means the world’.
To find out more information about Merlin's Magic Wand, the eligibility criteria, and how you can help, please visit www.merlinsmagicwand.org.
NB Merlin’s Magic Wand has been set up to work directly with children, families and organisations that will benefit from a day out. Unfortunately we are unable to provide tickets to other charities to assist them with their fundraising through raffles and auctions.