To lift the spirits of children affected by Hurricane Irma, Legoland Florida Resort will donate 20,000 tickets to children in need.
Valued at $1.8 million, the giveaway is the theme park’s largest donation ever. UNICEF Kid Power program will receive 18,000 tickets and the remainder will go to Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs.
“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.
UNICEF Kid Power is a teacher-led experience that incorporates lessons and activities with the Wearable-for-Good Challenge that encourages tech solutions for social problems.
More than 80 percent of students reached by UNICEF Kid Power are eligible for free or reduced lunches in Florida. Teachers will distribute two tickets per student to allow each child to visit the Winter Haven 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!”
The Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs will distribute the tickets to the children it serves in Winter Haven, Haines City, and Lake Wales. Since 1954, the organization has worked to better the lives of children with programs focused on character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports and fitness, and technology skills.
“This will be such a tremendous treat for our kids,” said Kerry Wilson, the club’s president and board chair. “Kids who seldom have the opportunity to go to a wonderful place like LEGOLAND.”