We gift vulnerable young children with the Extraordinary — taking their precious souls on mini-vacations of love, laughter and play, and leaving behind memories that can never be taken away.
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A world of wonder
“We believe in magic — gifting children who live in poverty of mind, heart, body and soul with opportunities to experience the Extraordinary. To escape the harsh reality of life and, for a few magical moments, discover a world of unconditional kindness, love and gentleness.”
For most children we reach, these are firsts. The first time holding a crayon, riding a swing, splashing in water, or knowing what a birthday means. A first — and often once-in-a-lifetime — experience.
Once-a-month celebrations of play — jumping castles, water slides, face painting, music and food — created for groups of 40 to 60 children at a time.
Warm meals, gentle hands, hugs and friendship. Our photographs honour the children's happier memories — never to sensationalise or put them on display.
Toys, stories and sensory play that stimulate the imagination — laying foundations for learning during the most critical years of early childhood.
Magical Moments was founded by Ilana Friedman — the Fairy Godmother and Chief Operating Fairy — in March 2004, following a traumatic event. She is deeply passionate about personal transformation and healing, and about every child's Right to Play.
She focuses on children who are "unseen" and "unheard" — missing out on the most magical years of their lives, exposed to far too much hardship during their most formative years. Our volunteers are affectionately called Fairies: they fly in on the day of an event, sprinkle their magic, and fly onwards, leaving behind love, hugs and happy memories.
"Fairy dust and magic are metaphors for love — and they all have magical healing powers."
A glimpse into the magic. These images are shared with respect and dignity, to celebrate the children's happier childhood memories. Tap any photo to view it larger.
More magical moments will be added here over time. ✦
Our vision is a permanent home: a unique space where fun meets learning, with indoor stimulation centres and outdoor play in natural light. A FantasyLand, AdventureLand and PlayLand where children can run, leap, climb and imagine a different world for themselves.
There's a place for everyone — whether you bring time, skills, or simply a wish to give. The skills a Fairy needs most? Kindness, love, compassion and playfulness.
Fly in on event days to wash little hands, serve meals, sing, dance and play. Wings and tiaras encouraged.
Spread the word about Magical Moments and help more children be seen and heard.
Help fundraise or lend your skills from the comfort of your home or office.
Invest in a child's future with B-BBEE-aligned giving. Beneficiaries are 100% Black as defined on the scorecard.
Recurring debit orders keep the organisation operational, month after month.
New educational items, small teddies, balls, dolls and gently worn clothing all help create magical days.
Donations pay for transport, venues, entertainers, meals and party gifts — the luxuries that become a child's first and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Your gift plants seeds for wishes to grow.
South African donors: EFT details available on request — email us
✉️ Email
dreamtime@magicalmoments.co.za
📍 Where we are
Northern suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa
Easy access from the M1 highway
🕘 Events
Weekdays, 09h30–13h00, around once a month (mostly Thursdays)
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Magical Fairy Godmother