November 2021: Ethan, Ian, & Dian’s Dreams All Come True, and Introducing The Dream Book!
With 2022 just around the corner - we’re already starting to reflect on some of our favourite moments from this past year (stay tuned for our annual Year-in-Review!). Some of those moments definitely took place this past month. From Ethan’s Superhero Adventure, to our first ever Dream Book and some incredible fundraising events in our community - The Dream Factory was a busy place to be in November! Keep on reading to learn more about what we’ve been up to!
Ethan Saves The Day – A Super Dream Come True
Dream Kid Ethan showed that he is a hero in so many ways when he stepped up to save the day! When his friend Spider-Man was kidnapped by Billy Bad Guy and hidden in the Fort Garry Hotel, there was only one person who could find the clues, solve the puzzles, and save Spidey! Just check out the video to see the big adventure in action.
Ethan's dream come true was to visit Disney World where he could meet all of his favourite superheroes. With international travel still not possible for our Dream Kids, we relied on our Dream Community to help us create some superhero magic right here at home. Together, they came together to create a superhero adventure for Ethan that went beyond our wildest dreams, and we could not be more grateful.
Over the last few years, there have been so many people involved in Ethan's dream come true, from hosting fundraising campaigns to bringing this special day to life.
We want to send a huge thank you out to EMMA SINGH Creative, Winnipeg Police Service, Chrissy Troy, Ace Burpee, CoPilot Co, Heather's Pretty Parties, The Fort Garry Hotel, Ascend Collection Member, Mayor Brian Bowman, Carla McLennan - Winnipeg Realtor, Emergent Biosolutions, Brightling Childcare Academy, RE/MAX One Group, Dean Gunnarson "World's Greatest Escape Artist", Costume Alliance, Laura Zajac, Dream Day Decor, Ornare Event Rentals, Spark Rentals, Sugar and Salt Bake Shoppe, Unique Events, Elite Lighting and everyone else who very generously contributed, volunteered and participated to make Ethan's dream day SO special!
Introducing The Dream Book
Give a toy, a poster, a stuffed animal, a television, a picnic table, outdoor games, a family dinner, a backyard makeover, an outdoor playset, or even, a dream come true! There are so many gifts to choose from. Gifts that will mean the world to a child with a life-threatening illness, especially now during the holiday season.
This is why we created the 2021 Dream Book - the first-ever Dream Factory Holiday Gift Guide. It’s filled with the dreams of children who—despite everything—still dream big. And this holiday season, you have the power to make their dreams come true.
Whatever gift you decide to give, it’s really all about joy this holiday season. For the children who want to dream. And for you.
This Holiday Season, your compassion will go even further for kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families, thanks to our friends at Bonafide Carpentry Services Ltd! They have generously committed to matching all Dream Book purchases from caring supporters like you up to $30,000. That means your special holiday gift will do more good for kids who love to dream BIG!
Shop now to help bring more Dreams to life this holiday season!
Ian’s Snowmobile Dream Come True
Dream Kid Ian's Dream came true when he and his family went to pick up his snowmobile from our friends at Enns Brothers East. Talk about a perfect Dream come true for the winter!
Ian is a huge snowmobile fanatic, but has never owned a machine of his own - until now! He also picked out a jacket, winter gear, gloves, and a helmet! Ian was beyond excited to have his Dream come true - now he's dreaming for more snow!
Thanks again to Enns Brothers East and Alan Carriere for their support of Ian's Dream come true and for making it such a memorable experience for him!
Dream Update: Dian Meets Sidney Crosby
Dream Kid Dian had an extraordinary evening at the Hockey Fights Cancer Jets vs Penguins game on Nov. 22nd! He was able to interact with his hockey hero, Sidney Crosby, again! This time Crosby looked right at Dian and tossed him a puck during warm-up!
Dian was able to virtually meet his lifelong hockey hero earlier in April, and his family gifted Sidney a beaded medallion to the Penguins captain. Click here to read an incredible article from CBC Indigenous about Dian’s Dream Come True.
Community Thank You’s
A big thank you to our friends at Quintex who hosted some of our Dream Families at a Winnipeg Jets game! Everyone had a blast cheering on Josh Morrissey and the rest of our Winnipeg Jets! Thank you for thinking of our Dream Kids and helping create some special memories for our Dream Families!
Princess for a Day celebrated its’ 16th anniversary this year. In the past, each year over 100 little girls battling a life-threatening, chronic, or debilitating illness, were treated to a magical princess makeover at Castle Chavella (Manitoba Legislative Building). Due to COVID-19, the traditional makeover party did not take place, but the incredible team at Princess for A Day still created something magical! Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White, and Belle personally delivered dream makeover packages to many kids in our community fighting some tough battles - including a few of our Dream Kids! Anna received a beautiful package featuring a ball gown, tiara, jewels and much more! Thank you to Stella Mazza and the team at Princess for a Day for creating such a special moment for Anna and many of our Dream Kids!
Our friends at St. James Burger & Chip Co. created a delicious burger in support of our Dream Kids. During the month of November, one-dollar from every Chicken Cordon Bleu Burger was donated to The Dream Factory – thank you for believing in the power of a Dream Come True!
We would like to send a big thank you to our new friends at Cobra Collectibles for their support over Halloween weekend. This incredible team raised an awesome $700 for sick kids here in Manitoba! Wow! We are so grateful for your generosity and belief in the power of a Dream Come True – thank you!
Holiday Shopping at Made Here
If you aren't familiar with Made Here, it is a shop that showcases local makers (everything in the store is made in Manitoba) and supports local children's charities - like The Dream Factory! 10% of each sale helps bring more dreams to life for kids in our community. You can visit them in-person or shop online and find the perfect holiday gift! It's a great place to shop/support local makers and help make a dream come true! Visit madeheremb.com to shop online or for more information.
Dream Makers Advent Calendars
Our friends at Made Here put together the Dream Makers Advent Calendar in support of The Dream Factory and it sold out! It’s filled with 24 beautiful boxes featuring incredible Manitoba-made products. With each new gift opened, you'll be introduced to a story of a Dream Kid in our community - some who have experienced the magic of a dream come true, and some who are in the midst of their difficult battle. Thank you to everyone who purchased a Dream Makers Advent Calendar!
The 24 day Dream Makers Advent Calendar is sold out, but the Dreamy Dozen Gift Pack is still available for pre-order until Dec. 12th. Visit madeheremb.com for more information or to order yours!