Kids surprised with trip to Disney World

For the second year in a row, Community Living Algoma has partnered with the local Lions Club and Air Canada to provide the trip of a lifetime to four lucky children.

Four young girls, Aspen, Trisha, Destiny and Kourtney, were selected this year for 'Dreams Take Flight’, a program which sends children with intellectual disabilities to Disney World in Florida.

Planning for the trip began months ago, when Community Living Algoma and the local Lions Club decided to once again participate in the Air Canada program.

Lezlie Wilson, executive assistant with Community Living Algoma, said the trip is going to be another whirlwind and the girls will be spoiled.

“It’s all yes from the time they leave tomorrow until the time they get back,” said Wilson.

All Air Canada staff for the trip from Toronto to Orlando volunteer their time for the program and the Lions Club pays the airfare and accommodations for the children between Toronto and the Sault.

Don Vardy, president of the local Lions Club, said Dreams Take Flight is just one of the many youth programs the service club supports.

“It’s a wonderful thing — to see the kids and it kind of brings a tear to your eye,” said Vardy.

This is the second year in a row for Community Living Algoma, but Vardy said the Lions Club had sponsored it years before.

Air Canada has been sponsoring the program for 37 years.

The four children, two aged nine and two 12-year-olds, were chosen at random from among children Community Living Algoma assists.

Terry Massicotte said it was easy keeping the trip secret from his daughters Trisha and Destiny. 

“I didn’t want to spoil anything, and neither did my wife,” said Massicotte.

After today's surprise, the children will embark by plane to Toronto tomorrow and fly to Orlando, Florida on Wednesday.

He said it’s a trip his daughters will remember for a lifetime.

“I’m so happy for them. I am really proud of them and happy and thankful for everyone’s efforts to provide them such an amazing experience,” said Massicotte.