Legoland Florida Resort Donates 20,000 Tickets To Kids Affected By Hurricane Irma

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Legoland Florida Resort will donate 18,000 theme park tickets to UNICEF Kid Power Schools programs across the state and 2,000 tickets to Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs in Polk County to “lift the spirits of Florida children in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma," the theme park announced in a press release. The total donation is valued at more than $1.8 million. It represents the largest ticket giveaway in the resort’s nearly six-year history.

The donation is being made in conjunction with Merlin’s Magic Wand, the global charity of the Legoland parent company Merlin Entertainments and “is intended to brighten the lives of the storm-battered state’s youngest residents," according to the press release.

“As a resort built for kids, we felt compelled to do something special for Florida’s children after Hurricane Irma, which left so many households facing months of recovery,” said Rex Jackson, general manager of Legoland Florida Resort. “While we can’t turn the power back on for those families, we can put smiles on their faces.”

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The UNICEF Kid Power Schools Program is a teacher-led experience that incorporates lessons and activities. More than 80 percent of students reached with the UNICEF Kid Power program in Florida are eligible for free or reduced lunches. Participating teachers will distribute two tickets per student, which is intended to allow each child to visit the theme park with a parent or guardian.

“From UNICEF’s 70 years of work in emergencies and in schools around the world, we know the importance of play and free time in helping kids heal from stressful situations, such as a natural disaster,” said Jeanette Duffy, UNICEF Kid Power program director. “This is a fantastic chance for these Florida students to just be kids.”

In Polk County, Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs will receive 2,000 tickets for distribution to the children it serves through sites in Winter Haven, Haines City and Lake Wales.

“This will be such a tremendous treat for our kids,” said Kerry Wilson, the organization’s president and board chair. “Kids who seldom have the opportunity to go to a wonderful place like Legoland.”

Curtis Reddick, chief professional officer for Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs, said the donation “gives our kids and their parents time to spend a fun-filled day together.”

For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida.

Image via Legoland Florida Resort