The new Dream Factory Experience is about more than just a a single trip, gift, or dream come true; it’s about an ongoing community of support for families in our community who have children fighting some incredibly tough battles.

The Dream Factory experience begins the moment a family is referred to us and can continue for years - until a child decides they are no longer in need of the support The Dream Factory provides. We walk alongside them, celebrating milestones and creating magical moments that bring joy, hope, and lasting memories.

From the initial Dream Discovery process, we ensure that families feel embraced by our team and the caring community we have built. Before we even meet, Dream Kids will send in a Q+A that identifies their favourite snacks, superheroes, and even their preferred nickname. It’s through this process that we can make kids feel safe, comfortable, and most importantly, ready to dream.

From there, we uncover the unique dreams of each child, tailoring our support to their individual needs. This is the part of our work you are most familiar with - adventures to far off places, incredible room transformations, shopping sprees, and meet & greets. There is no limit to the imagination and magic a dream come true can hold.

Pictured: Dream Kid Cody received a fun gift box from The Dream Factory.

But our commitment extends far beyond fulfilling dreams:

Pictured: For all our adventurous Dream Kids, we strive to provide plenty of adventures to go on!

  • We provide financial support to our families through our Dream Family Funds. Each new family we meet receives access to $3,000 to support some of the many unexpected costs that come along with having a sick child. Whether it’s covering costs of hospital parking, childcare, groceries, or anything else they may need - it’s our small way of providing some immediate relief to local families living through some of their most difficult days.

    • In 2023, we provided more than $165,000 in financial assistance directly to Manitoba families who have kids fighting life-threatening illnesses.

  • We create specialized pre-dream events that are customized to a child’s dream. Just a few months ago, we surprised a Dream Kid travelling to Churchill with a one-of-a-kind pre-dream experience at the Journey to Churchill Exhibit at Assiniboine Park.

  • We also celebrate our Dream Kids and their families wherever possible - birthdays, treatment milestones, and anniversary dates of their dream come true. Beyond that, we organize countless events in our community, like sporting events, art workshops, and movie screenings.

With every new experience, we are providing Dream Kids with an opportunity to make new memories, to regain control by having a say in how and what they participate in, and to feel the sense of belonging and joy that comes from being part of our community of support.

What truly sets The Dream Factory Experience apart is the enduring nature of our work. Some families stay connected with our community throughout their child’s entire childhood, finding solace, friendship, and understanding among others who share similar challenges. Even when their child decides to no longer participate, we remain a source of inspiration, and many families continue to give back as volunteers or donors well into adulthood.

By supporting The Dream Factory, you are not just helping bring dreams to life - you are becoming an integral part of this extraordinary experience: The Dream Factory Experience. You are helping to strengthen a community of care that supports children and families during some of their most difficult days, and during the months and years that follow.

A message from Princess Auto:

Pictured: Some lovely folks from Princess Auto donated to a toy drive for Dream Kids!

Community and Ownership have always been at the heart of our operating principles at Princess Auto and of course it is also central to our Values. When our Charitable Giving committee went in search for a charity of choice it was to develop that closer connection to our Community and provide more opportunities for Ownership amongst our Home Office and Winnipeg DC Team Members. The Team found the Dream Factory and the connection with them was an easy choice.

They are a Manitoba-based charity dedicated to fulfilling dreams for kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses. While there are many dream-based charities internationally, The Dream Factory got its start right here in Winnipeg – just like us! 

That is not where the similarities end. The Dream Factory was built on the values of imagination, hope, and most importantly: fun. That also sounds just like us!  The medical experience is one filled with many tough moments, we have the ability to help our Dream child – Cody and be a glimmer of fun during an otherwise tough time.  

At Princess Auto we dream big – let’s help make magical, unforgettable moments for Dream Kids!