The Dreamer - Fall 2024 Edition
Pictured: Dream Kid Dante and his welcome package goodies!
MORE THAN A DREAM
Because of you… “We are not alone.”
Remember Dream Kid Dante? We introduced you to this spunky 6-year-old in the 2023 Holiday Dream Book. As you may remember, Dante was dreaming about visiting Disney World. And we are so thrilled to share that this spring, his dream came true! Dante and his family met his favourite characters, visited Animal Kingdom, and had an absolute blast! This would not have been possible without kindness like yours.
And there is so much more to Dante’s Dream Factory Experience! Continue reading for some of the highlights, shared by Dante’s mom, Deseree!
A Warm Welcome
Dante first visited The Dream Factory in 2023. “Joining The Dream Factory has given us a sense of belonging. We are not alone. It makes me so happy to see all the people providing these special activities and moments for all he has and will endure.”
The Dream Community
Dante and his family have attended several Beyond Dreams events - from hanging out with Josh Morrissey, to the annual Dream Maker Auction! One of Dante’s favourites was when he got to hang out at the ‘Submission Series’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu event! “He thinks he just got to watch Mr. Michael and friends fight and wrestle - next time he wants to join them in a match!”
Pictured: Dante and “Mr. Michael”
Meeting Spiderman
Before Dante left for his Dream Trip to Disney, he celebrated his upcoming dream with other Dream Kids and Dreamland Diner! “Dante loved meeting Spiderman and getting his face painted - he was so enamoured with Spiderman!”
Dream Come True - Disney!
And because of your generosity, Dante and his family went on the trip of his dreams! “Dante’s trip was a DREAM beyond words - from the moment of the limo pick up, to limo drop off! We did all the rides together everyday - which was exactly what Dante wanted! Overall the trip of a lifetime. We will forever be grateful for this blessing. Thank you from the depths of our hearts.”
Pictured: Dante met Chewbacca on his incredible Dream Trip.
Thanks to our community, we’re building
A NEW Dream Factory!
Dreams are getting bigger, and so are we!
As you may know, we’ve called our office at 1 Wesley Avenue in Winnipeg home for over 20 years. While we’ve worked hard to make it a fun and welcoming space for Dream Kids and their families, now we’re dreaming even BIGGER!
The NEW Dream Factory will enable us to become an even stronger, community-based resource for families throughout their child’s entire medical journey. It will further connect them to a community of support, anchored by a welcoming space that they can access long after their child’s dream comes true.
Take a look at some of our early renderings for the space! These images are the first taste of what the new Dream Factory will look like.
More Play
More Dreams
More Joy
More Laughter
At the new Dream Factory, it will be immediately obvious to Dream Kids that this is a supportive place of fun that has been built just for them - where they can always feel safe and comfortable to hang out, be themselves, and most importantly, dream BIG.
Over the past several months, we reached out to Dream Kids and families to share ideas, suggestions, and input that has helped us shape this new space - we can’t wait to see their ideas come to life!
This new space will be the perfect place for Dream Kids and families to visit before or after appointments, to come and celebrate special occasions and milestones, or a place to drop in and just have some well-deserved fun!
The Dream Factory and Fairmont Winnipeg’s Santa Suite is back by popular demand!
Starting November 16th through December 22nd, every Saturday and Sunday, Santa himself will be taking time out of his busy schedule to make sure your family’s holiday photos are picture-perfect!
Pre-book your timeslot to ensure a stress-free experience from beginning to end.
SPOTTED: Dream Kids in the Community!
Your support has created special moments for Dream Kids!
Pictured: Dream Kid Heidi
Last year, our team hosted 236 Manitoba families at events throughout our community, including art workshops, sporting events, etc. That’s more than 1,000 Manitobans who have experienced the benefits of taking a break from the hardest parts of their medical journeys - the tests and treatments or watching their children or siblings suffer. This is where they are able to come together as a family and create happy memories that will outshine some of the difficult ones.
And thanks to your kindness, we aren’t slowing down in 2024!
Pictured: Dream Kid Logan
So far this year, Dream Kids have had the opportunity to join Josh Morrissey and the Winnipeg Jets for a special visit to the Canada Life Centre. They’ve taken over the field with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Princess Auto Stadium, they’ve shot around on the court with the Winnipeg Sea Bears and joined our friends from McNaught Cadillac at the Deadhorse Speedway for the McNaught Cadillac Cup… and the fun is just getting started!
We can’t thank you enough for standing beside Dream Kids and their families. You know the importance of FUN, and you continue to ensure fun is had by all Dream Kids. We are so grateful for how caring and generous you’ve been!