Merlin’s Legoland resort in Florida is donating 20,000 tickets to children in the state affected by Hurricane Irma, representing the largest ticket giveaway in the park’s history.

The donation, valued at US$1.8m (€1.5m, £1.35m), has been made in conjunction with Merlin’s Magic Wand – the global charity of Merlin Entertainments.

UNICEF’s Kid Power Schools Programme, a teacher-led experience incorporating lessons and activities, will receive 18,000 tickets, with each student eligible for two tickets so they can visit with a parent or guardian. Additionally, the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Clubs – a charity organisation for young people offering access to a range of programmes promoting education, health, social character, service and leadership – will receive 2,000 tickets to distribute among its children.

Hurricane Irma has caused an estimated US$62.9bn (€53.45bn, £47bn) worth of damage as winds of up to 185mph (295kmph) caused destruction across the Caribbean and US. It is responsible for at least 124 deaths and was the most intense Atlantic hurricane to strike the US since Katrina in 2005.

“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. “While we can’t turn the power back on for those families, we can put smiles on their faces.”