Debates of March 7, 2005 (day 50)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement will be used to acknowledge the Children’s Wish Foundation and the great job they are doing to fulfil dreams of children throughout our North.

Mr. Speaker, this organization provides children with the chance to experience something special in their lives while they are bravely dealing with serious illnesses and life-threatening diseases. Mr. Speaker, this organization has been fulfilling dreams for young Canadians since 1983 and directly for young northerners since 1987.

The Alberta/NWT chapter of this organization has an office here in Yellowknife and it is administered by Teri Arychuk. This charity started as a personal quest with Mrs. Arychuk and her family’s struggle. Her son was diagnosed with AML Leukemia cancer. However, today, eight years later, he is cancer free and doing great.

Mr. Speaker, Flight of Dreams has more than just taken off. At this past year’s event, the charity raised nearly $80,000. The money raised will help approximately seven dreams to be fulfilled this year in the North. To date, nearly 30 dreams have been fulfilled in the NWT because of the strides and the dedication of our community.

The Flight of Dreams, as the organization is known here in the NWT, is committed to a vision of providing children with the opportunity to fulfil their wishes, from experiencing foreign locations, meeting celebrity role models or something as simple as visiting a distant family member. The Flight of Dreams is only able to fulfill its mission through the charity of local people and companies. This event wouldn’t be possible, Mr. Speaker, without the great support of Great Slave Helicopters and the donation of their hangar each year leading up to this charitable event. They remove every piece of their equipment and helicopters so the hangar can be cleaned up and dressed up for the charity ball.

The work of Flight for Dreams provides joy and happiness of a fulfilled wish of a child and also to a child’s family. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have to go on at length of the effects a child, the parents, the siblings, and all family members are forced to go through when affected by such terrible burdens. These dreams help lift the weight of this burden. These dreams help provide a happy and unique experience during a trying and painful time and allow the pain to go easier.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate the individual donors…

Your time for your Member’s statement has expired. Mr. Hawkins.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I will read the last paragraph from the top.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to individually congratulate the donors, corporations, as well as a personal thanks to Mrs. Arychuk and all the people involved in the Flight of Dreams and this organization that has helped every year to bring a little silver lining to so many young clouds out there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause