Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Toronto, a group of dedicated employees at Air Canada had a big dream. The original founding members of dreams take flight are Bob Kent, Katherine Dutchak, Chris Dale and Kent Angus. They wanted to do something special for children with special needs, and they knew that a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida would be an experience that these children would never forget.
So, the employees got to work organizing and fundraising for the trip. They held bake sales and other events, working tirelessly to raise the thousands of dollars needed to make their dream a reality. Many cupcakes, cookies, and other delicious treats later, they had finally raised enough money to make their dream a reality.
On a bright and sunny day in 1989, 70 special needs children boarded a DC-9 aircraft, excited to embark on the trip-of-a-lifetime to Walt Disney World. For many of these children, it was their first time flying on an airplane, and the excitement was palpable as they soared through the clouds.
As they explored the magical world of Disney, the children’s minds were stretched and expanded by all of the new sights, sounds, and experiences that they encountered. They rode thrilling roller coasters, met their favorite characters, and made lasting memories that they would never forget.
For the Air Canada employees who had organized the trip, it was a heartwarming and fulfilling experience to see the joy and wonder on the faces of the children. And for the children, the trip was a life-changing experience that opened up a world of possibility and helped them to see that anything was possible.
And so, Dreams Take Flight was born – a program that has continued to bring joy and inspiration to special needs children all over the world
