Rainbow Trust provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, and the magic kits were distributed to families supported by Rainbow Trust in Dorset and Hampshire as well as in the northwest of England – the respective birthplaces of OnBuy and its CEO, Cas Paton. These regions provided OnBuy with a perfect opportunity to give back to the local communities, and deliver a little magic after a challenging year.

Cas Paton, founder and CEO of OnBuy, said: “Recent times have been challenging to say the least, so we jumped at the chance to bring a touch of magic to families that need it most. With millions of products at our fingertips, we are privileged to be able to support local families in a unique and interesting way. The donation of these kits, along with the show from a Dorset-based magician, gave us that opportunity and the morning of wizardry and illusion certainly brought a smile to both the kids’ and our faces!”

OnBuy hosted performer Wyn Jones, known as Mr Merlin, at their offices to host a magic show with comedy and ventriloquism accompanied by his puppet dragon accomplice Okey Dokey.

Wyn Jones said: “I felt honoured to perform my show for such a worthwhile cause. The team at OnBuy were absolute professionals and it was a pleasure working with them. The feedback I received during and after my performance was so great to hear and I loved the thought of putting a smile on the children’s faces and sharing some magical moments with them.”

The families receiving support from Rainbow Trust have been predominantly shielding throughout the pandemic due to the complex conditions of their children, so the show was hosted virtually over Zoom to bring the experience to the comfort of their homes, and to ensure all families in both areas were able to take part.

Kit Hare, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at Rainbow Trust said: “We are so grateful to OnBuy for donating 100 magic kits and hosting a virtual magic show for families supported by Rainbow Trust, who are caring for life-threatened or terminally ill children. The pandemic has placed immense pressure on families with a seriously ill child and it will be wonderful to see these magic gifts bring some enjoyment and laughter into their homes during such a challenging time.”

To donate to Rainbow Trust, please visit https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/donate