July 2020: Backyard Makeover Update, Keeping Dreams Moving, and a Lickety Split!
With summer in full swing we are very excited to share some of the ways we've been making it extra special for some of our Dream Kids! Keep reading to hear about some of the fun we had in July, and some of the wonderful folks in our community who have made it possible!
Sophie's Backyard Makeover Update
Last month, we shared Sophie's story with you - and today we are excited to share that, thanks to you, Sophie's backyard Dream is now a reality! Sophie can now safely enjoy fresh air, visits from friends and family, and backyard camping. Here is what Sophie's mom shared about their new space:
"Oh my gosh, the backyard has been amazing! We’ve had lots of socially distanced visits with family. Sophie’s been outside for more this past week than she’d been for the whole year. Her friend came over for a mega play date and they had a blast with slime making, playing charades, visiting, eating treats, and watching movies!"
Check out this video to find out exactly how you helped transform Sophie’s backyard!
Special thanks to Livingstone Landscaping, Home Depot Brandon, Iron Age Welding, and many other partners for going above and beyond to make this the perfect place for Sophie. Thanks also to Adam at eBrandon for the incredible time lapse video of the backyard transformation.
Most importantly - thank you to YOU for your generous donations that allowed us to bring Sophie's dream to life. We are so grateful for your support.
Introducing... Lincoln's Lickety Split! Now Available at BDI!
According to his dad, the first thing you need to know about 4-year-old Lincoln is that he’s a hard worker. You might even say he gets things done lickety split! Lincoln has Cystic fibrosis, but that doesn't stop him from helping out on the farm - feeding animals, slinging rocks, and taking care of his miniature horse, Hercules.
When he's not helping on the farm - Lincoln is dreaming BIG. When it's safe to do so, he wants to travel all across Canada with his family in their RV.
This summer, our friends at the Bridge Drive In and St-Leon Gardens have teamed up to launch Lincoln's Lickety Split in support of The Dream Factory and Lincoln's dream come true! It's a brand new signature dessert that includes all of Lincoln's favourites!
The Lickety Split begins with a base of delicious strawberry ice cream made from fresh, local St-Leon strawberries, topped with Manitoba saskatoons, blueberries, and more strawberries, and completed with a banana and whipped cream - of course!
Not up for the whole split? It's also available as a cup/cone or you can simply make a donation to support Lincoln's dream come true!
Lincoln's Lickety Split is available NOW! Head down to the BDI to try one today! You can learn more about Lincoln's story or make a donation by clicking here! Thanks again to our friends at BDI and St Leon Gardens for making dreams come true!
You Can Help Keep Kids Dreaming!
Our Keep Dreaming Campaign is still underway - and because of your support, many children and families here in Manitoba have been able to receive thoughtful gifts, special deliveries, make new memories, and enjoy more time together as a family! Here are a few quotes from families you helped last month:
"There is something new for him to do everyday to help pass the time and give this whole ordeal a silver lining! Your thoughtfulness and generosity is appreciated greatly; you brought some big smiles to my boy... Words cannot express how much this package helps Ben and our family in this time of stress and uncertainty. Thanks again so much!" - Vicki, Benjamin's mom.
"It was so much fun to go as a whole family and the kids were so excited. Thank you to those who donated to our family. We are so blessed and can't thank you enough for your outpouring of love through this gift." - Jinelle, Karsen's mom
If you'd like to help make more memories possible for families in our community fighting some tough battles, consider donating to our Keep Dreaming program today!
Shortline Moving Solutions Keeps Dreams Moving - Thank You!
Thanks to our friends at Shortline Moving Solutions, Ben’s dream is one step closer to coming true.
Throughout the month of June, Shortline launched “Keep Dreams Moving” - a campaign to raise funds for Ben’s dream bedroom makeover. In addition to donating 5% of their sales for the month, they encouraged friends, families, and partners to get involved as well. It was a true team effort that resulted in a donation of over $10,000 to The Dream Factory, ensuring that Ben’s dream can become a reality!
From all of us at The Dream Factory, THANK YOU to Alex, the team at Shortline Moving Solutions, and all of the friends and family who supported this effort. Because of you, another dream will come true in our community during this challenging time, and that’s something really special. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank You to The Winnipeg Foundation
We are so grateful to our friends at The Winnipeg Foundation, who announced their support for 279 Winnipeg charities - including The Dream Factory - as part of their COVID-19 Stabilization Grants. The Foundation will be distributing $8.9 million to help support charities affected by the pandemic.
“We know that the impact of the pandemic has been challenging for Winnipeg charities,” says Megan Tate, Director of Community Grants at The Winnipeg Foundation. “The Stabilization Grants program came together quickly in order to provide financial support as soon as possible. The funding has also been designed to be flexible, ensuring organizations can allocate resources where they are needed most, as circumstances continue to evolve.”
Thank you to The Winnipeg Foundation for your incredibly generous support. These funds will be instrumental in allowing us to keep kids dreaming during this challenging time.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Brenda
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 Brenda, one of our amazing volunteers and grandmother to one of our Dream Kids! As one of our 'Gratitude Ambassadors', Brenda helps share our appreciation with our community of support. If you’ve made a donation to The Dream Factory lately, chances are you’ve received a call from Brenda saying thanks!
We are so grateful for you, Brenda! If you're interested in getting involved with helping make Dreams come true, click here to learn more!
Meet A Dream Maker: Mamie's Ice Cream Fundraiser
Our hearts are glowing thanks to Mamie - a true dream maker! Her father, Craig, explains why:
"Mamie received an ice cream maker for Christmas and, the first time we used it, she had the idea of making ice cream and selling it to our neighbours from a stand in the front yard. We talked about money and charity and decided that if we did it we would donate the proceeds to a charity.
We decided to give the ice cream away for free and let people donate if they so desired. We practiced social distancing and used plenty of hand sanitizer. In two hours we “sold” almost two dozen cones and raised $49.41! Strawberry was the favourite and we (almost) sold out - I had one last scoop to finish the batch.
The morning of the sale my partner and I decided to match whatever funds were raised. We then decided on the Dream Factory. It seemed fitting that Mamie’s dream to sell ice cream would aid in fulfilling the dreams of other children.
It was a great sunny, summer afternoon. And, we still had ice cream leftover for that evening’s dessert!"
Thank you so much, Mamie! We are so grateful for you and your family. You are helping make Dreams come true for kids in our community going through some pretty tough stuff.
