Disneyland for a day dazzles 130 kids
Non-profit group gives children opportunity families can't afford
Ian Austin, The Province
Published: Tuesday, October 17, 2006

As you read this, 130 ecstatic kids are scheduled to be winging their way to Disneyland.

The ecstasy quotient is highest at Sir William Macdonald Elementary on Vancouver's east side, where 40 young children are realizing a dream their families simply can't afford.

Agatha Reid is delighted her son Alan will be Disney-bound today.

"It's a dream come true for him," the happy mother said yesterday.

"I'm a single mother with five kids. I'm really glad that this school has a connection with Dreams Take Flight."

Through the national non-profit organization (dreamstakeflight.ca), Air Canada donates a plane for the day and Air Canada employees fundraise to give the kids the trip of a lifetime.

"I'm really excited -- I still can't believe it," said Larissa Dixon, 11, a Grade 6 student. "I want to meet Mickey and Minnie and Goofy.

"I'm the first person in my family to go to Disneyland."

Kyla Elkins, 10, a Grade 5 student, hopes to meet Goofy, Pluto and Mickey, "because they're cool and cute. I can't go to bed -- I'm too excited."

Joanne Carruthers, the school's administrative assistant, saw firsthand how a Disneyland trip can open up a child's horizons.

"I was on the trip three years ago, and it's an incredible day," said Carruthers. "The kids are given disposable cameras and backpacks -- they don't have to bring a thing.

"It's changed these people's lives."

Teacher Connie Barkase is looking forward to shepherding the happy flock today.

"I grew up in Strathcona -- I never went to Disneyland as a kid," Barkase said yesterday. "It's great that someone has come forward to show these kids where they can go."

The kids are grouped together with names of different Disney characters, such as Dumbo.

"The kids said to me, 'You're a Dumbo,' " laughed Barkase. "I told them they can only get away with that for one day."

Dreams Take Flight president Lori Ferguson said the kids invited along are those who wouldn't ordinarily be able to make the trip due to medical or social circumstances.

"This is the first year that we've taken 40 kids from one school," said Ferguson. "It brings a lot of excitement to the school, and to the whole area."

iaustin@png.canwest.com