Qualico Winnipeg’s Fundraising Efforts Support The Dream Factory

Winnipeg, MB – Earlier this year, as part of its ongoing support for the non-profit organization The Dream Factory, Qualico donated over $10,000 from a collective regional fundraising effort to The Dream Factory to help create more magical experiences for Dream Kids.

The Dream Factory uses supporting partners’ donations to make dreams come true for kids in Manitoba who are battling life-threatening illnesses. Qualico matched donations from fundraising efforts by employees, social committee activities (BBQs, raffles, etc.) and suppliers, and the funds will be used to make a dream come true for Spencer. Spencer is a fun-loving toddler who loves Paw Patrol, toy trucks and dinosaurs – though, everything changed when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Spencer’s body responded well to chemotherapy, as it shrunk his tumour by half and doctors were able to remove it in surgery. After his surgery, Spencer underwent radiation therapy when worries were alleviated for his family after his CT scans showed no new cancerous growth. It has also been encouraging for Spencer’s family to see him continue to grow and flourish after all he has gone through.

Spencer’s favourite thing to watch before bed is Mickey Mouse and it was only natural that his dream would be a trip to the most magical place on Earth: Disney World, where he’ll get to meet Mickey Mouse in person.

Spencer’s family is appreciative of the support, from Spencer’s dream come true to the Dream Family Funds. Spencer’s dad said that it gave them hope that there are people out there who have walked the same path as Spencer, hearing their stories and knowing they are not alone.

“We are so excited to share that Spencer’s dream trip to Disney will take place this fall, and his family shared that he has been doing really well,” said Andrew Kussy, Executive Director, The Dream Factory. “We can’t thank the Qualico team enough for supporting Spencer’s dream trip to Disney.”

Spencer’s been so talkative and he and his family are excited to go to Disney World – to get away, see all the animals at Sea World, and his dad believes he’ll love Universal Studios.

"Our enduring partnership with The Dream Factory has had a positive impact on numerous families in our community over the years," said David Eggerman, Regional Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan, Qualico. "Every year, our committed employees and our trade partners and suppliers come together to raise funds that enable our Dream Child to fulfill their dream through this amazing organization. As we approach fall, we look forward to seeing Spencer's dream come true at Disney."

In other exciting news happening at The Dream Factory this year, the organization is moving to a brand new, child-centric office, and Qualico is also stepping in with a gift-in-kind donation to support the new space.

The Dream Factory has been in its existing location for more than 20 years, which now poses a number of limitations, both in terms of physical space (~1,400 sq. ft.) and the experience they able to create for Dream Kids.

“We are embarking on a transformative project that will see the creation of a new, child-centric, Dream Factory that is nearly double our current size,” shared Andrew. ‘’This project will provide Dream Kids and families with access to something that does not exist in Manitoba: a place of comfort, safety, and fun, designed for kids battling difficult illnesses that can be accessed outside of the medical environment. We are so grateful that the team at Qualico believes in this vision and has chosen to partner with us on this exciting endeavour.”

The Dream Factory’s new space will enable them to become an even greater resource to families during their child’s medical journey. It will further connect them to a community of support, anchored by a welcoming space that they can access long after their child’s dream comes true. Without generous community members like Qualico, this dream could not be realized.