On Tuesday June 11th, over 70 children from Holland Bloorview and SickKidshad the chance to just be kids fora day. The kids were flown to Walt Disney World in Florida thanks to the Sunshine Foundation ofCanada and Ontario Automotive Recyclers Associate (OARA),who raised over $500,000 for Toronto’s first DreamLift since 2000.

The plane took off from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning and arrived in Orland, Florida where the kids and volunteers were greeted by Orange County Sheriffs, Federal Air Marshalls and representatives from local law enforcement agencies

“This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for both the kids and volunteers,” said Breanne Mathers, Holland Bloorview Child Life Specialist. “It was incredible to see all these kids forget about their daily challenges and have the chance to just princes and princesses for the day. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of such a magical day in these kids’ lives.”

The kids were accompanied by volunteer buddies from the Toronto Police Services and medical and other volunteers from across the GTA, including health care workers from Holland Bloorview and SickKids.

“We’re so glad to be back in Toronto,” says Nancy Sutherland, National Executive Director of The Sunshine Foundation. “DreamLifts are a community event and organizations across this city have helped make this happen.”

Here at Holland Bloorview, we did not forget about the kids who were unable to make the trip to Walt Disney World. Disney Princesses Cinderella and Ariel came to visit the kids Tuesday and spent the afternoon taking photos and signing autographs.

It was a magical day all around.