Our iconic “Big Dreams” are just one way that we support families

We provide...

Ongoing care

Families participate in The Dream Factory's programming for an average of 5 to 7 years, from the initial diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

We're a source of...

Critical support

In 2024, we provided nearly $200,000 in direct financial aid to Manitoba families, covering urgent needs like lost income, childcare, gas, and groceries.

We're a proud...

Active community

Our Dream Community is made up of 1,200+ Manitobans who participate in our events and programs. In 2024, we hosted ~300 families beyond the "Big Dream".

Go to our events page
Gear #01

No 'Dream Factory' is complete without a 'Dream Machine'! Tubes, buttons, and cranks make up our one-of-a-kind Dream Machine: a museum-grade, interactive contraption, powered by dreams. This machine creates a special moment and memory for Dream Kids and their families... the moment they realize their dream is coming true!

The Dream Factory is a community space for sick kids and their families that exists outside of the medical environment. It was designed specifically with kids in mind and aims to be a momentary reprieve from the day-to-day stresses of their medical journey. Most importantly? It's really, really fun!

When Dream Kids and their families first enter The Dream Factory, they are welcomed with bright colours, their name up on our welcome board, and the flashing lights of our claw machine.

A huge hit with all the kids who visit our space, this very special claw machine is filled with lots of fun toys and is 'rigged' so that kids ALWAYS win — of course!

Nothing makes you feel right at home like the smell of freshly baked cookies - and we've got them ready to go! Our community kitchen features a special, kid-height fridge, always stocked with snacks and drinks. Dream Kids are free to grab whatever snacks they'd like and chow down to their heart's delight! And don't even get us started on the ice cream!

This is where Dream Kids can just be kids. Our Dream Room is prepped with cozy kid couches, stuffed toys, LEGO, video games, arts and crafts, mini-hockey, and anything a kid could ever want to have fun! The magic of the Dream Room is that it's always changing to match the interests and needs of each unique Dream Kid who visits.

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The central console of the Dream Machine is a large yellow and red box with a large fan on the top. The front features colourful flashing buttons and decorative dials and gauges.
A robot painted around The Dream Factory's intercom in the entrance with "suite 105" on a clear plaque above.
The Dream Factory's welcome room opens to cozy blue couches and a robot themed rug.
A blue claw machine with colourful flashing lights is filled with cuddly stuffed animals.
The Dream Factory's kitchen: a wide space with green chairs and blue wall tiles, lit by low-hanging pot lights.
The Dream Room contains comfortable couches, a large white balloon dog sculpture, a long table, and colourful decorations.

Family funds

Families facing a child’s illness often experience overwhelming financial stress, from leaving jobs to covering unexpected costs. That’s why we provide $3,000 in flexible support to each new family, helping with essentials like gas, groceries, childcare, and medical expenses.

*Family funds generously supported by K&P Community Fund

Hospital parking

Parking costs add extra stress for families during tough times. In 2025, we’ll provide five monthly parking spaces at the hospital to support families during appointments, tests, and treatments.

*Hospital Parking generously supported by the Kindred Foundation

Gas and groceries

We provide gas and grocery gift cards to families in need, easing financial stress so they can really focus on being together during their child’s medical journey.

*Gift cards generously provided by Red River Cooperative

Stress-free meals

A stress-free meal brings comfort and connection during tough times. We provide gift cards to local restaurants so that families can relax, recharge, and share special moments together.

Gear #03

Special smiles

Each smile reminds families that they’re never alone.
Go to the volunteer page

We believe the simplest moments make the biggest impact. That’s why we create opportunities for Dream Kids and families to connect, laugh, and experience joy — right here at home.

From sporting events and princess parties to art workshops and movies, these experiences offer a break from hospital stays and a chance to reclaim lost time. More than just fun, they restore a sense of normalcy, build community, and create cherished memories.

These moments remind families that joy can still be found, even in the toughest times. A shared laugh, a special outing, or simply being together can bring light to their journey when they need it most.

Dream Kids Aria and Brie are blowing bubbles in their backyard in front of their play structure.

Aria and Brie

Dream Kid James and his mom both with superhero face paint, decorating cookies at The Big Bake Sale.

James and Mom

Dream Kid Evie's family giving a thumbs up, wearing bicycle helmets standing with their bikes at Dream Ride.

Evie and family

Gear #04

The big dream comes true

This moment lives forever.

The Dream Come True is the part of the adventure you know best. These special “Big Dream” moments are as impactful for the families as they are for the kids. And they wouldn’t happen without the generous support of our community.

Described by kids and families as the highlight of their journey, the Dream Come True creates a memory so vivid and joyful that it makes the hardships fade into the background, bringing light and happiness to their lives.

A Dream Kid is smiling, standing between Mickey and Minnie Mouse as their noses press against each of her cheeks.
Every Dream Kid’s wish is unique, but most dreams fall into one of three categories. Whether it’s an exciting adventure, the ultimate shopping spree, or a one-of-a-kind experience, we make every dream as magical as possible.
Dream Kid Jaden posing on a white sand beach in front of a blue-green ocean on his Dream Trip to The Philippines.
Dream Kid Kingston holding up the white keyboard for his brand new gaming computer, which lights up with flashing LEDs in the background.
Dream Kid Emilee posing on the red carpet, hugging Billie Eilish.

Exciting adventures

From thrilling roller coasters to the magic of Disney, some Dream Kids wish for unforgettable trips. These adventures create lasting memories for kids and their families.

Jaden’s dream

This spring, Jaden was well enough to go on his Dream Trip to the Philippines with his family. He visited his relatives, cruised around in a pontoon boat, and relaxed on the beach!

Grand and glorious gifts

Kids have dreamed up epic gaming setups, outdoor summer fun shopping sprees, and custom art studios — plus all the gadgets, toys, and supplies they could imagine.

Kingston's dream

This Dream Kid loves gaming, so it only makes sense that his dream was to have his very own epic gaming setup including an iconic lightning cloud ceiling!

Unforgettable experiences

No dream is too big or too outside the box! Dream Kids have stepped into the spotlight, met their heroes, and even become part of the Winnipeg Jets for a day.

Emilee’s dream

Dream Kid Emilee was dreaming of meeting her hero, Billie Eilish. She experienced a magical dream come true when she met Billie in Las Vegas!