Wendy's Dreamlift Day celebrates 15th anniversary!
Jan 28, 2009
Location: BC Interior
- Celebrating its 15th season on January 28, 2009, Wendy’s Dreamlift Day is a highly anticipated annual event for the residents of British Columbia's Thompson/Okanagan/Shuswap region.
- For the last fourteen years, this one-day fundraiser, created by the local Wendy's franchisee, has raised close to $700,000 to fulfill dreams for children with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses in the BC Interior.
- The concept is simple. People are invited to eat at one of the nine Wendy's Restaurants in Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank and Penticton, British Columbia on Wendy's Dreamlift Day, Wednesday, January 28, 2009.
- ALL gross profits from the day's event, including staff, management, and ownership wages, are donated to Sunshine Foundation of Canada: BC Interior Chapter to help fulfill dreams for children in their local communities with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
- Local celebrities and VIPs graciously volunteer to roll up their shirt sleeves to serve Wendy's loyal, generous customers. These volunteers help prepare burgers and salads, make fries, clean trays and tables and all sorts of other behind-the-scenes tasks to make the day a huge success.
- Dozens of Wendy's 'staff alumni' work the event. Many Wendy's suppliers donate services. All Wendy's staff, management and ownership who work on that day donate their wages.
- Organizations such as the RCMP, the BC Ambulance Service and others lend their support.
- With thousands served at each location, the community comes out in full force to show their support for Sunshine kids. Wendy’s Dreamlift Day is consistently among Sunshine’s top local fundraising events Canada-wide.
- Customers demonstrate patience beyond measure, frequently saying "Keep the change" or contributing beyond purchasing their menu items.
- The Orange County Sheriffs representatives volunteer their time to attend Wendy's Dreamlift Day. They experience firsthand the community effort which results in Wendy's Dreamlift to Disneyland. The OCSC provides extensive support and more than 100 volunteers in Anaheim, California during the Disney Dreamlift.
- Funds raised will go toward a Dreamlift, a one-day whirlwind trip that whisks children challenged by severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses for a one-day adventure at Disney. Children from the Thompson/Okanagan/Shuswap Regions will participate on a Wendy's-sponsored Dreamlift to Disneyland in California, scheduled for Winter 2009.
- This would not be possible without the incredible generosity and community spirit of John Tietzen, Wendy’s Franchise Owner, area partners Akbal Mund and Todd Lewis, and the staff at the nine participating Wendy's Restaurants in Southern BC. Special thanks also to Sunshine’s BC Interior Chapter for their support of this overwhelmingly successful event.
- On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, be sure to support your local Wendy’s restaurant!
ABOUT WENDY'S DREAMLIFTS TO DISNEYLAND
- The next Wendy's Dreamlift to Disneyland is scheduled for Winter 2009.
- It takes an army of doctors, specialists, chaperones, one airline, two airports, the RCMP, the Orange County Sheriffs Department (over 100 volunteers on the ground in California) and a Magic Kingdom to create this one-day experience for approximately 80 special children.
- All children on the flight are challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
- For many of the children, this may be the first time they have had an independent adventure away from their parents.
- Alaska Airline (Horizon) sends a special "Disney" plane, of which there are only three in the world.
- Departing at 6 am and returning at 11 pm the same day, the children receive VIP treatment throughout, including 'front-of-the-line' access in Disneyland. Children are provided with spending money to bring home a cherished souvenir.
A Canadian Charity est. 1987 | © 2007 - 2009 Sunshine Foundation of Canada |