Sunshine DreamLift
A media release via London Police Service:
Media Release
October 22, 2009Dreams of meeting Mickey Mouse will become a reality one week from today for 84 Southwestern Ontario children who are challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. These excited kids are counting the days, hours and minutes until Thursday, October 29, 2009 when the 46th Sunshine DreamLift departs from London International Airport to Walt Disney World, Florida.
The Sunshine DreamLift – a one-day, whirlwind group adventure to the Magic Kingdom – is organized by The Sunshine Foundation of Canada, in partnership with Maple Lodge Farms. London, Ontario was the site for Sunshine’s inaugural DreamLift in 1987. It has been 10 years since the last Sunshine DreamLift took flight from London and, once again, youthful spirits are set to soar for what promises to be a trip of a lifetime.
Sunshine is delighted to welcome 55 London Police Service members who will volunteer their time to accompany the children on the plane to Walt Disney World and be their ‘buddies’ for their Disney day, along with 55 healthcare professionals from area agencies who will help tend to the children’s special medical needs. The group is rounded out by several members of local media, as well as representatives from Sunshine’s National sponsor, Maple Lodge Farms who have donated the funds necessary for this magical day.
The children will receive a VIP send-off as they depart for the Magic Kingdom, with several special guests from the London Police Service as well as local dignitaries in attendance, a warm breakfast served by the Maple Lodge Farms traveling kitchen, as well as a special overhead spray from two Airport Fire Department trucks as the plane prepares for take-off.
The Skyservice Airlines charter flight leaves London International at 5:00 am and arrives in Orlando Florida’s Galaxy Aviation Flight Centre at 7:45am. Once in Orlando, six buses will transport the excited children to their Disney destination. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office will meet the children at the airport and provide a full escort to the Magic Kingdom. Once on the grounds, the large Sunshine group will break into smaller groups to maximize the use of available time. The children will have close to eight fun-filled hours to explore the magical sights and sounds of Disney before the group gathers again at 5:00 pm to prepare for the trip home. The flight is expected back in London at 10:15pm.
In addition to the fun, DreamLifts offer these special kids a taste of independence. For many, it is often their first plane ride and their first day away from their parents. It is also the first time many of these children have been able to travel due to their daily treatments, special feeding requirements or the physical challenges involved in their day to day care. Sunshine is fortunate to have a strong connection with the medical community across Canada who provides the multi-disciplinary support needed to care for these needs on this magical day.
WHAT: Sunshine DreamLift!
WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 2009; 5:00am departure (families arrive at 3:30am for registration)
WHERE: London International Airport, 1750 Crumlin Rd., LondonComplimentary breakfast from 4 – 5am for media, participants and Sunshine friends (provided by DreamLift sponsor, Maple Lodge Farms).
ABOUT SUNSHINE DREAMLIFTS
Since 1987, Sunshine Foundation has organized 45 DreamLifts, departing from various cities across Canada. The Dreamlift on October 29, 2009 marks the first Sunshine DreamLift to depart from London in a decade.
With a price tag of approximately $140,000, the October 29 Sunshine DreamLift is sponsored by Maple Lodge Farms, a national partner to Sunshine Foundation since 2000.
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada was the first organization to bring the DreamLift program to Canadian children and Sunshine continues to be an acknowledged national leader, trusted by healthcare professionals and families for the safety, professionalism, and exceptional service of its DreamLift program.
With help from health care professionals in Southwestern Ontario, 84 children with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses have been selected to travel on the London DreamLift.
A contingent of 55 support volunteers will assist the children with medical support and companionship throughout their Disney day.
In addition, 55 members of the London Police will join the children on the plane to Walt Disney World. Each London Police member will be paired up with a child to be their ‘buddy’ throughout the entire Disney day. The flight leaves London Airport at 5 am and returns to London at approximately 10:15 pm that same night.
In addition to the fun, DreamLifts offer these special kids a taste of independence. For many, it is often their first plane ride and their first day away from their parents. It is also the first time many of these children have been able to travel due to their daily treatments, special feeding requirements or the physical challenges involved in their day to day care. Sunshine is fortunate to have a strong connection with the medical community across Canada who provides the multi-disciplinary support needed to care for these needs on this magical day.
ABOUT THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION OF CANADA
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada makes dreams come true for children who are challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Sunshine was founded in London, Ontario in 1987 by a police officer who lost his teenaged son to muscular dystrophy and wanted to brighten the lives of other children like his son. Sunshine is a national organization with volunteer chapters across Canada. In addition to DreamLifts, Sunshine organizes Individual Dreams for children. These dreams are as unique as the child who dreams them, ranging from family trips to celebrity meetings, and gifts like computers and customized bicycles. Sunshine Dreams can be life-changing experiences, opening up the world to a child and building self-confidence and hope for the future. For more information, visit www.sunshine.ca.
CONTACT:
Kathy Leblanc
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada
519-642-0990 x 228
kathy.leblanc@sunshine.ca
© Fowler Media
