Country Grocer has begun its 14th annual campaign to support Help Fill A Dream, raising awareness and funds to support children facing life-threatening and critical conditions on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
James, a "dream kid' who recently returned from his “cars and copters dream” in Los Angeles, attended the official campaign launch at Eurosa Farms in Brentwood Bay on Friday, Nov. 15.
In a news release, Help Fill A Dream explained James’ trip in October illustrated the "unique and challenging obstacles" children with disabilities face when travelling on a dream trip.
The trip requires careful planning to accommodate children's physical, medical, and emotional needs as many of the youth rely on wheelchairs, specialized equipment, or complex medical devices that require extensive logistical coordination.
"[James' trip] started with getting permission from the airline that they would allow James to travel with his custom wheelchair,” said Craig Smith, executive director of Help Fill A Dream, in the release. Since no planes leaving Victoria could accommodate his chair, James had to depart from Vancouver.
"Hotels along the way needed to be truly accessible rooms, a wheelchair-accessible van had to be sourced in LA, and lifts and other medical equipment were rented to be installed in his hotel room for the duration of his stay. The whole process took six months to put together and was a true collaboration with his family and the Help Fill A Dream team."
This year’s holiday campaign will include the donation of a portion of sales from Eurosa Farms' "dream bouquets" and from Christmas trees at Wintergreen
Tree Farm.
Special supplier promotions will run throughout the campaign and donations can be made at the Country Grocer checkout between Nov. 15 and Dec. 12. All proceeds raised by Country Grocer and its customers go directly to support Island children like James.
"We are thrilled to once again join forces with Help Fill A Dream for our annual campaign," noted Craig Cavin, Country Grocer South Island operations manager, in the release. "Together, we have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of children and families in our community who are facing significant challenges."
