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Photo by Simon Fuller<\/p>\n
The Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg adventure is made possible by a team of dedicated volunteers who are retired Air Canada employees, and who are passionate about organizing the trip to the iconic Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, Calif., for kids that face physical, mental or social challenges.<\/p>\n
Referrals come from agencies and organizations such as BGC Winnipeg and Rossbrook House, while organizers also accept individual applications, said Carol Eliasson, a board member and longtime Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg volunteer. Other longtime volunteers include Joanne Clark, Rosa Derksen and Robert Giguere, who captained the Winnipeg chapter\u2019s first flight in 1994.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust to see the kids\u2019 faces and to see them haves such a day and see how happy they are\u2026 it\u2019s hard to contain myself and not shed a tear of joy,\u201d said Eliasson, who lives in River Heights and was a flight attendant with Air Canada for 39 years.<\/p>\n
Eliasson, who is a gallery interpreter at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, explained that one advantage of going to California is the day is extended by an extra two hours because of the time change, meaning the children get eight or nine hours at the park.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, we take the kids shopping, which is always a big highlight. And by the end of the day, everybody is relaxed and laughing and holding hands,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Eliasson has been an integral figure in fundraising for Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg, but is now stepping down from the role.<\/p>\n
Dreams Take Flight\u2019s 30th anniversary gala was held at the aviation museum last November, hosted by former CBC Manitoba meteorologist John Sauder. Special guests included Brady Oliveira of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and two former Dreams Take Flight children.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, May 9, a Hawaiian-themed fundraiser will be held at the Four Crowns Restaurant and Bar (1030 McPhillips St.)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the organization\u2019s second such party, and last year some attendees arrived in Hawaiian-themed shorts, shirts and muumuu dresses, said longtime volunteer and social committee chair Rose Anne Seymour.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Photo by Simon Fuller<\/p>\n Carol Eliasson, pictured here at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada recently, is a longtime Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg volunteer, and has been on every Winnipeg flight since 1994. This year, Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg will be holding its 30th anniversary flight on Nov. 3, when around 120 children will be flown to Disneyland on Nov. 3.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to get ourselves out in the community and garner support,\u201d said Seymour, who lives in Amber Trails and worked in the finance department at Air Canada for 35 years. \u201cWe hope lots of people come to the event, have a good time and connect with others.\u201d<\/p>\n Seymour said guests can expect there to be \u201cdancing to upbeat numbers\u201d and a menu including bread, meats, cheese, and pickles, as well as vegetable and fruit platters and dainties and coffee. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.<\/p>\n Tickets are $20, and support tickets for those who can\u2019t attend are $15. Email rseymour2@shaw.ca<\/a> for tickets, or more information.<\/p>\n Visit ywg.dreamstakeflight.ca<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Simon Fuller Simon Fuller is a reporter\/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. Email him at simon.fuller@freepress.mb.ca or call him at 204-697-7111.<\/p>\n
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Community Journalist
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