Flying high again

Windsor Park

River Heights

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/01/2025 (264 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When it comes to the next Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg trip later this year, organizers hope the sky’s the limit.

Late last year, the Winnipeg chapter of the Dreams Take Flight organization held a fundraising gala at the Winnipeg Aviation Museum, which was a big success, organizers said. Now, they are busy planning different events throughout 2025 in the run-up to the next trip in September to Disneyland in California.

Cathy Miller, Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg’s membership chairperson, would like to spread the word about the organization’s mission, and said prospective members can sign up for $10 a year, or alternatively, individuals are welcome to volunteer and help out at upcoming events.

The Dreams Take Flight initiative began in 1989, when a number of Air Canada employees in Toronto planned the trip-of-a-lifetime for 70 children with special needs to Disney World, Fla. The charitable initiative has since expanded across Canada.

“People collectively work so hard to make these flights happen,” said Miller, who lives in Windsor Park, noting that Team Canada rower and Olympian Abby Dent was on board the most recent flight.

“It really is a wonderful organization, and a unique day for all the kids involved, which is the reason we all do this. It makes such a difference in the children’s lives.”

Miller said a lot of work goes on behind the scenes year-round to make the trips a reality, which is why anyone willing to lend a hand is always welcome.

Carol Eliasson, a co-director of Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg and longtime volunteer, was on board the organization’s first flight from Winnipeg.

A former flight attendant, the River Heights resident is used to the dynamics of flying through different time zones.

And now the destination is Disneyland rather than Disney World, it means participants gain two extra hours.

“This means we’re in the park so early, which is wonderful,” Eliasson said, noting the crew on the trip wear costumes.

“We want to keep going forward to keep Dreams Take Flight part of the Winnipeg community knows what we’re about — which is just giving kids, who normally wouldn’t have this experience, a magical day at Disney. I get more excited every year I do this. To see the kids’ faces, I love it. We all have this wonderful feeling when we do this. It’s a magical feeling. Air Canada loves the initiative, also, as do the flight attendants. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Visit ywg.dreamstakeflight.ca for more information.