August 2020: A Backyard Makeover, A Dream Bike Ride, and SOPHEST!
It's hard to believe that the summer months are already winding down! Even though it feels like summer just started, there is so much good for us to celebrate from the last few months. Keep reading below for a few special dreams come true, and inspirational stories about the folks who are making those dreams possible!
Emma’s Backyard Makeover
Emma’s Dream backyard is now a reality! We are so grateful to Bonafide Carpentry Services Ltd., Rossmere Landscaping, MB Contracting, Electric 2000, Sierra Stone, Jerry’s Concrete, and HJS Wholesale for putting this magical oasis together for sweet Emma! Her new backyard has been a place for recovery and enjoyment, explains Emma’s mom:
“We just wanted you all to know that Emma is absolutely loving the backyard. She loves sitting on the swing, watching the fountain and looking at all the flowers and plants. The new deck is so safe for her now and the ramp has made it so much more accessible. Emma loves the butterflies and flowers along the path. The garden has attracted monarchs and it has been exciting to watch the caterpillars change to beautiful butterflies.
The backyard had been a great place for her to recover since having her brain surgery in April. We can’t thank The Dream Factory enough. You are truly amazing people and everyone involved has been so wonderful in making this dream a reality.”
We cannot thank our incredible Dream community enough for coming together to make Emma’s Dream come true. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity!
Pictured: Dream Kid Emma is all smiles in her brand new Dream Backyard - a perfect place for summer fun and adventures!
Pictured: The backyard makeover took special care to transform the space into one where Emma could safely play! Just look at those beautiful butterflies!
This Summer’s Greatest Music Festival: SOPHEST!
One of Dream Kid Sophie's favourite things in the whole world is musical festivals. It's a big family tradition for Sophie and her parents, and they were so disappointed that they weren't going to be able to attend any this year; especially with everything Sophie has been going through.
Luckily, we have one of the greatest community of artists here in Manitoba, and they came together to host "SOPHEST" - a virtual music festival just for Sophie! It was a project led by the incredible JP Hoe, featuring so many wonderful local artists.
Sophie even received a few of the things that make music festivals so special - a custom festival poster, and SOPHEST merch!
This one-of-a-kind project came together solely out of the kindness of people's hearts, and we are so touched and grateful to everyone who participated. You have helped create memories that will last a lifetime and we cannot thank you enough. ❤️
Our sincere gratitude to JP Hoe, Jess Rae Ayre, The Bros Landreth, Dana Kowalsky, Brian James, Hayley Penner, Natanielle Felicitas, Ariane Jean, Daniel Jordan, Sheena Rattai, Sierra Noble, Rusty Maytas, Don Amero, Del Barber, Ruth Moody, Julie Penner, Fred Penner, Jason Pankratz, Derek Allard, and more for their thoughtful contributions.
Dream Ride 2020
On August 22nd, 22 Manitoba cyclists safely came together for the 2020 Dream Ride and achieved something incredible. These folks cycled either a 14km loop or a 42km loop around Clear Lake, and raised funds for The Dream Factory leading up to the big day.
What is truly remarkable is that between these 22 cyclists, over $22,000 was raised for Dream Kids in Manitoba. Now more than ever, their effort and generosity will enable many more dreams to come true for kids battling life-threatening illnesses.
We have to send a huge special thanks out to Gary and Marsha, who safely planned and organized this wonderful event, and inspired some fantastic fundraising among their friends and peers. We also thank everyone who cycled in the Dream Ride, and those who supported their effort! Together, you have brought dreams to life and that is truly incredible.
Meet A Dream Maker: Dream Kid Aidan
Aidan's dream came true in 2017 when he and his family travelled to Disney World and stayed at Give Kids The World (TAG). For his birthday this year, Dream Kid Aidan decided that he wanted to help make another kid's dream come true by raising funds for The Dream Factory. His goal was to raise $150, and was so excited to share with us that, thanks to his family and friends, he raised over $1000!
Thank you Aidan for this thoughtful and selfless gesture, we are so inspired by your care for others. Because of you, we'll be able to make more dreams come true for kids in Manitoba fighting some tough battles!
Pictured: Dream Kid Aidan with his parents Eddie and Brenda after making an incredibly generous donation over more than $1000 to help make more dreams come true!
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Maria!
Each month, we’re thrilled to be shining the spotlight on of our our incredible volunteers! Our volunteers are a huge part of the reason we are able to bring Dreams to life, and none of our work would be possible without their tireless care and dedication.
This month we are proud to introduce you to Maria, one of our amazing volunteers! If you’ve been to one of our events in the community, you’ve likely seen Maria sharing her time and making everyone around her smile! We are so grateful for you, Maria - thank you for all you do! If you're interested in getting involved with helping make Dreams come true, click here to learn more!