Once upon a time in the friendly skies of Canada, a dream was born. It was a dream to spread wings of hope and inspiration to children facing adversity, a dream that would come to be known as “Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight.”
In 1989, Air Canada’s employees embarked on a remarkable journey. They wanted to do something special for the children who needed it most in their communities. Inspired by the United States’ “Sunshine Foundation,” the airline’s employees envisioned a charity that would give deserving children a day they would never forget. They wanted to provide these children with an opportunity to experience the magic of flight, to explore a world beyond their daily challenges, and to instill hope in their hearts.
Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight was officially founded in 1993, with the airline’s employees actively involved in every aspect of its operation. The charity’s mission was simple yet powerful: to provide children facing adversity with a magical day at Disney theme parks in either Orlando, Florida, or Anaheim, California. The hope was that this experience would not only create lasting memories but also serve as a source of strength and inspiration in the face of their personal struggles.
Each year, Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight would organize a “Dreams Flight,” a special day when an entire plane was transformed into a flying playground for children aged 6 to 12. These children came from various backgrounds, including those facing illness, poverty, abuse, and other challenging circumstances. The airline’s employees volunteered their time to accompany the children on the trip, ensuring they had the best day of their lives.
As the years passed, the Dreams Take Flight charity expanded its reach. The charity began to partner with other organizations, hospitals, and social services to identify children who could benefit from this magical experience. The number of children taken on the Dreams Flight grew, and the impact of the charity’s work became increasingly profound.
Over time, the charity also started to organize additional events and programs beyond the annual Dreams Flight. These initiatives included winter wonderland trips, celebrity sports camps, and even special outings to the local theater or sports events. The focus remained on giving children facing adversity the opportunity to dream big and experience the joy and wonder of life.
Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight became a symbol of hope and unity within the airline and the Canadian community. Thousands of children had their lives touched by the generosity of the airline’s employees and volunteers, who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to make these dreams a reality.
As the charity celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, it had grown beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. What began as a small idea by a few dedicated individuals had blossomed into a nationwide movement of compassion and goodwill. The legacy of Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight was not just the trips to Disney; it was the smiles, the laughter, and the hope that it brought to countless children across Canada.
In the friendly skies of Canada, Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight continued to soar, carrying with it the dreams and aspirations of children who, through the kindness of others, discovered that the sky was not the limit—dreams could take flight to places they had never imagined.
