MONTREAL — Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight have teamed up for another epic journey that helped make dreams come true for over 119 children.
Accompanied by a crew of current and retired Air Canada employee volunteers, the children – many facing mental, physical or social adversity – were flown from Vancouver to California for a fun day at a theme park. Crew members included pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers and other employees on the ground and behind the scenes who all generously donated their time to take part in the journey.
This marks the first time in three years that a Dreams flight has departed from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Said Melissa Hance, Dreams Take Flight YVR President: “After a three-year hiatus, YVR is excited to embark on our 28th Dreams flight, making magical memories for 119 children from organizations like BC Children’s Hospital, Children’s Organ Transplant Society and various school groups from the lower mainland. Special needs doesn’t have to be of a physical nature – these past few years have had a major mental effect on the world and we are excited to make memories for special kids for just one magical day.
Thanks to the support of the Air Canada Foundation, volunteers, employees, YVR and all our national and local sponsors, a big Warm West Coast thank you!”
Valerie Durand, spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation, added: “It brings me such joy to see these deserving children finally get their special day. The dedication of everyone involved in making this trip happen has ensured that the children go home with memories that they will cherish forever. The Air Canada Foundation is delighted to have contributed to Dreams Take Flight Vancouver’s journey.”
Every year, 1,700 children take a Dreams trip to a theme park in Florida or California. Three more flights from across Canada are planned for this year, from Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa. Earlier this year, Dreams flights departed from Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Halifax.
Since 1989, Dreams Take Flight has given more than 30,000 Canadian children with various special needs a flight of a lifetime.
