Country Grocer will once again be helping Vancouver Island children with life-threatening conditions with every Dream Bouquet, donation at the till or Island-grown Christmas tree sold until Dec. 12.
“We are thrilled to say that we have been making dreams come true for Island children for 30 years thanks to such incredible community partners like Country Grocer,” said Help Fill A Dream executive director Craig Smith.
“The launch of this year’s campaign represents some very important milestones for both Help Fill A Dream and Country Grocer. We have just launched our 30th anniversary celebrations; this is the fifth year for this campaign with Country Grocer; and this year, the cumulative total of this campaign will exceed $50,000. Each is significant on its own but all together, it is incredible.”
Money raised by Country Grocer and its customers goes directly to make dreams come true for Island children like 11-year-old Emma. Emma has a form of cancer called pineoblastoma. In June 2015, Emma’s dream of a trip to Hawaii to see a volcano, feast at a luau and to relax on the beach became a reality.
“Never underestimate the power of a dream. It is transformative. The power of hope and happiness are important elements in helping a child get better,” said Smith.
“And dreams have a ripple effect – touching not only the child, but all those surrounding them: parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and other family members; health care and support workers; friends and neighbours; the entire community. Everyone is united in making a child’s dream come true.”
New this year is the addition of suppliers such as Duso’s Pasta and Sauce. All proceeds will go to the Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
Help Fill A Dream operates as a resource for families at a time of need. In addition to making dreams come true, Help Fill A Dream offers families hope through unique programs such as Quality of Life and Family Assistance. Help Fill A Dream seeks to support families so they can concentrate on the health, care and recovery of their child.