Police with some of the local kids and their families taking part in a once-of-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland.
Toronto Police have partnered with Air Canada to send nine lucky Etobicoke children on a once-in-a-lifetime daylong trip to Disneyland in Florida.
The trip is part of Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight program in which 175 youngsters from across Ontario are flown to Disneyland with their families on May 7.
The children, who were selected from the force’s 22 and 23 Divisions, met with Neighbourhood Community Officers on April 3 to learn more about the unforgettable experience.
Community Neighbourhood Officers from Etobicoke’s 22 and 23 Divisions were involved helping to organize the dream trip to Disneyland.
“We’re beyond thrilled to share this exciting news and celebrate this extraordinary moment with the kids and their families,” said Staff Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong.
He said the initiative is a well-deserved chance for the kids to see a different side of policing.
“They’ve discovered that police officers aren’t only about catching criminals or issuing tickets,” Jongdong said.
Police said the Dreams Take Flight initiative ‘helps to build trust, foster confidence and strengthen the bond between officers and the people they serve.’
Some of the many kids on a previous Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight as they anxiously wait to board the aircraft for Disneyland.
“Community officers show that policing is also about creating positive experiences and lasting memories, “ Longdong said.
“Our goal is to promote peace, stability, and a safe Toronto—a city where we can all live, work, and raise our families with pride and security.”
Dreams Take Flight is a non-profit organization primarily made up of volunteers from Air Canada and the Air Canada family who organize the trip of a lifetime for close to 1,000 medically, mentally, physically, socially or emotionally challenged children.
Kids having fun aboard the Air Canada flight on their way to see Mickey, Minnie and Disney gang.
The program began in 1989 when several Air Canada employees in Toronto planned a trip-of-a-lifetime. They flew 70 special needs children on a DC-9 aircraft to Walt Disney World in Florida.
By 1997, the Dreams Take Flight charity had expanded across Canada.
For a very long and exciting day, deserving children live an adventure in a world-renowned theme park in California or Florida. All expenses paid—thanks to sponsors and volunteers.