Dreams of meeting Mickey Mouse will become Lift-off tomorrow a reality tomorrow for 81 Southwestern Ontario children who are challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
These excited kids are counting the 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 MagicKingdom - 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 OrlandoFlorida’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 MagicKingdom.
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.
