For nearly two decades, Cardel Homes has been working with Dreams Take Flight  to help realize the dreams of children across Canada. The Canadian home builder sponsors the Calgary and Ottawa chapters, having done so since 2003, hosting golf tournaments, galas and silent auctions for the volunteer-led charity. The funds take physically, medically, mentally, socially or emotionally challenged children on a trip of a lifetime.

Collaborating with Air Canada to Make it Happen

For each chapter trip, Air Canada donates a Boeing 767 for the day to fly the children to Disneyland Los Angeles or Disney World Orlando. Everyone involved with the flight donates their time, from the pilots and flight crew to the chaperones and ground support. Funds raised by Cardel Homes help pay for expenses such as aircraft fuel, park admission, spending money, souvenirs, gifts and clothing to identify the children and their escorts.

Cardel Homes Ottawa’s Kristy B. shares her experience with a recent Dreams Take Flight trip:

"I was a chaperone for Group 18, called Pinocchio. My group had six children who were nominated to go by teachers, boys and girls’ clubs or from shelters. They were so excited to go on a plane, some for the first time, and to go to Disney World.

One little girl in our group really stood out to me. She didn’t believe we should buy treats or meals because it was too expensive. She wasn’t used to receiving this type of treatment. I explained that money didn’t matter on this trip and she could get whatever she liked. I also went shopping with her on the trip (each child gets $50 to spend at the Disney store). She didn’t want to buy anything for herself but wanted to get a gift for her mom and sister because they weren’t with her. She was so sweet with such a kind heart. I made sure she got a gift for them but also got something for herself."

About Dreams Take Flight

Dreams Take Flight is a national, 100 per cent volunteer-led charity established in 1992. It is made up of eight chapters across Canada – Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. By taking children who live with certain challenges to the happiest place on earth, Dreams Take Flight aims to help them forget their troubles for one day and provide them with a lifetime of memories.

Find out how you can get involved with this incredible charity. Click here.

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If your HBA or company has given back to your community, we’d like to share your story! Contact communications [@] chba [.] ca