Tickets are distributed FREE to less fortunate children and families, either direct or through organisations like social welfare, Salvation Army, IHC and numerous others. The idea is to have these children view a world-class festival of magic for free as Christmas approaches.

The Magic Show is an annual event which has run for 20 years now. It has already generated over $2 million back into the greater Auckland area. Even though this is a large amount of money, the most joy actually comes from the faces of the children we sponsor to the Magic Show itself, and something like 300,000 faces have seen the Magic Show to date.

The event itself is a Festival of Magic, which features leading overseas acts mixed with some local talent, starring Internationally acclaimed magician Tony Laffan whose grand illusions will amaze and astound you.

The Magic Show starts in June each year by way of a telephone appeal made to Business Houses. The Business Houses are attracted to the event as they are donating to a worthy Auckland based project. They donate funds to cover the cost of Magic Show tickets which they can distribute to needy families or donate back to our Club. We then distribute these tickets so that approximately 15,000 less fortunate children and families are able to enjoy this festival of magic event as Christmas approaches with the compliments of the Business Houses and the Lions Clubs participating.

In addition to the 15,000 children seeing the Magic Show for free, excess funds raised purchase something for the greater good of Auckland.

The Magic Show is held at the Logan Campbell Centre.

• Starship Hospital Oncology refurbishment

• Autism Auckland

Past Recipients of Magic Show Funds have been:

Muscular Dystrophy Association - Building Fund

Motutapu Camp Trust - Equipped Resource Centre

Deaf Foundation - Three Cars for Field Officers

Arthritis Foundation - Head Quarters Development

Regional Helicopter Trust - Cliff Rescue Vehicle

Order Of St John - Ambulance Defibrillators

Muriwai Surf Life Saving Club - Secure Storage for Rescue Craft

Lion for Life - NZ Wide Road Safety Programme (2-year programme)

Cancer Society - Refurbishment of Domain Lodge

St John Ambulance - 3 x Rapid Response Ambulance Motor Cycles

Foundation for the Blind - Five Guide Dogs for Life

Laura Ferguson Trust - Indoor thermal-neutral hydrotherapy pool

Kelston Deaf Education Centre - Audiology Testing Facility

National Heart Foundation - Specialised CPR Training & Nutritional Health Education Facility

Royal NZ Coastguard Federation - Dedicated Rescue Vessel (boat) & 4WD Tow Vehicle

Auckland City Mission - Three vehicles (food, transport and furniture collection/distribution)

2001 - Kids Foundation - A vehicle, computers and medical equipment - Article #1

2001 - Arthritis Foundation - Two vehicles for their home visit programme

2002 - Asthma Auckland - Mobile Education Vehicle, to educate around Auckland Schools ~$115,000 - Article #1

2003 - Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand - Provision of a Boat - the "Lady Hillary" ~$225,200 for their new Marine centre on Great Barrier Island - Related Articles: - Article #1 Article #2 Article #3

2004 - Diabetes Auckland - Nesfield House renovation - $140,000 - Article #1

2005 - Hospices of Auckland ~$185,000 - Article #1 Article #2 Article#3

2006 - IDFNZ & KIDs Foundation (respite holiday home for the Kids and their Families ~$150,000) - Article #1

2007 - Preventing Violence in the Home Inc and Free Health Testing in the Community

If you are another Lions Club wishing to help less fortunate children in your area attend the Magic Show for free, please Send a Message to request Magic Show Tickets.