Early in 1989, a group of Air Canada employees based at the Toronto airport decided to dedicate some of their time and financial resources to the community. The original plan was to charter a bus and take under-privileged children to Canada’s Wonderland for the day. The committee decided that this was not ambitious enough and, being employees of the largest airline in Canada, elected to request an aircraft be donated from Air Canada - their dream came true and they were bound for Walt Disney World - making magical moments for special kids! The original name for the project was ‘Dream Come True'.

The name of the project has since changed to ‘Dreams Take Flight’ and has expanded to 8 cities across Canada, including Winnipeg. Winnipeg Air Canada employees organized their first flight in 1996.  Seventy-one Winnipeg children boarded an A320 Airbus to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Since that flight we have helped an additional 1200 children from Manitoba and Saskatchewan experience the wonders of the Magic Kingdom.

All fundraising for the trip is done by Air Canada employees.  Air Canada generously donates the aircraft. The pilots, flight attendants, other Air Canada employees, friends and family donate their time to make this once in a life time dream possible.  Many corporate sponsors also generously support the initiative. To date over 17000 Canadian children have enjoyed the excitement of Walt Disney World through Dreams Take Flight.