Paint the Town Red: Making Wishes and Dreams Come True

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

This quote sums up what we grow up having the world teach us, and surely how I approach my own life. I begin every day with the idea of accomplishing my bucket list, which is in essence a list of my dreams. I forge ahead with the mindset that there are no limits to my future, but realistically and unfortunately this is not the same for everyone. Some children are simply unable to reach what’s in their imaginations due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a severe disability or life-threatening illness. Thankfully, there are two fantastic charities in Ottawa devoted to these causes.

I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with the amazing people at the forefront of The Sunshine Foundation for the first time in attending their 4th Annual Scrabble Wine & Dine Fundraiser at Zola’s. Although neither my mother nor I had played this household game in years, we approached the evening with open minds, and especially open hearts.

After a rough start with our first match (my mom walking away with only a few points), we soon bonded with the other players. This is the only national charity to provide individual dreams to children with severe disabilities (such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy) and life-threatening illnesses. In fact, I learned that 80% of Sunshine Kids are challenged by a severe disability. I was personally touched by this charity and the actions it sponsors, especially inspired by the fact that it makes a difference. In an effort to follow this lead, and make someone else’s dream come true, I am pledging to raise $7,500. This is the common figure necessary to making a dream come true, and my symbolic goal.

I became aware of the second charity of this kind at “The Grape Escape” – a Canadian-inspired evening of wine-and-food pairing evening where proceeds are donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Established in 1984, the foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling a favourite wish for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since its inception, the Children’s Wish Foundation has granted more than 17,000 wishes to children and their families, fulfilling about 1,000 wishes annually. I had this opportunity to support a great cause and enjoy a casual night out with fellow wine enthusiasts. We were treated to an evening of fine Canadian wines appropriately paired with delicious and inventive dishes, prepared by Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. We learned formal dining etiquette, the art of wine appreciation, and how flavours combine to enhance the dining experience – all set against a rustic Canadian backdrop and decor.

Both of these amazing charities hosted fabulous evenings, and are affecting peoples’ lives in ways that we could never anticipate. I’m just thankful and happy to have been a part of them for at least one night. Stay tuned for my upcoming endeavors in making a difference, and raising $7,500 for The Sunshine Foundation.

For more information, visit The Sunshine Foundation at http://www.sunshine.ca/ and help Algonquin College raise $1 million for The Children’s Wish Foundation at http://www.childrenswish.ca/.