Air Canada partners with Dreams Take Flight for a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Every year, Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight take children facing different challenges on the trip-of-a-lifetime

Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight have partnered to return to the skies (for the first time since 2020) a once-in-a-lifetime trip for children. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers; employees and retirees of Air Canada; the support by Air Canada Foundation and the work by Dreams Take Flight, eight flights will operate this year, serving the dreams of nearly 1,000 children. Flights will depart from Winnipeg to Florida to immerse children in an unforgettable day at a theme park.

The flight from Winnipeg left in the early hours of the morning and transported 110 kids to Orlando, accompanied by a crew of Air Canada employee volunteers focused on creating the most magical experience possible. By generously donating their time, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers, and numerous other employees on the ground and behind the scenes offer children facing mental, physical, or social adversity the chance to take a break from their everyday to make memories and see new possibilities.  

“These are children, who would likely never be able to take this trip if it were not for our programme and the planes, would never get off the ground if it were not for our main sponsors and donors, like the Air Canada Foundation”, said Bev Watson, President of Dreams Take Flight Canada. “Volunteers from Air Canada, family and friends, as well as the general public spend countless hours to ensure everything is done in preparation for each flight.”

“As a Foundation focused on the health and well-being of children, it is a privilege to work alongside Dreams Take Flight and Air Canada employees to help make this very special experience a reality for these children, letting them be kids for the day,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “A heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer and supporter who helps makes this experience possible.”

Seven additional flights from across Canada will depart from Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa throughout 2023.