Dreams Take Flight, Air Canada and The Air Canada Foundation celebrated another successful year of magical journeys to theme parks in Florida and California.
This year, more than a thousand children from across Canada enjoyed a unforgettable day filled with rides, wonder, and laughter.
Dreams Take Flight began in 1989, launched by a group of Air Canada employees in Toronto who wanted to give children facing mental, physical, or social challenges the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to a Florida theme park.
By 1997, the initiative had grown to eight chapters nationwide—in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver—and remains entirely volunteer-run.
Air Canada and The Air Canada Foundation support each chapter by providing an aircraft as well as additional services to help make every journey extraordinary.
Children selected through various partner organizations travel with dedicated volunteers—both current and retired Air Canada employees—who work together to create a magical day for everyone onboard.
These volunteers, from flight attendants to maintenance engineers and countless behind-the-scenes team members, generously give their time so the children can step away from their everyday challenges and make memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
“I am profoundly thankful for the Air Canada Foundation’s steadfast partnership. Their support enables our dedicated volunteers to deliver a day of magic for children who need it most – an experience that can open hearts, broaden horizons, and remind every child that they deserve to dream,” said Denise Egglestone, president, Dreams Take Flight Canada, in a press release.
“Dreams Take Flight is more than a trip; it’s a moment that inspires hope and courage. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our employees and retirees, children experience a day that lifts their spirits and reminds them that their dreams are worth believing in. It’s a day filled with laughter, wonder, and possibility, creating memories that stay with them long after the plane has landed. That is something we value deeply and are proud to support,” added Brigitte Saint-Pierre, Director, Official Languages and Community Engagement at Air Canada, on behalf of the Air Canada Foundation.
Since its first flight over 35 years ago, more than 35,000 children have experienced a Dreams Take Flight trip-of-a-lifetime to Florida or California.
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