Help Fill A Dream celebrates 20 Years!
June 2006 marks the 20th anniversary for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation. Help Fill A Dream was founded in 1986 by Rick Thomas, a local bus driver. He had become acquainted with a seven year old bus passenger suffering from a terminal illness who wished to visit her grandmother in Nova Scotia. Rick was determined to find funds to grant this young girl's dream and by June 1986, Help Fill A Dream Foundation was registered as a non-profit charity (Reg # BN-11895-5830-RP-0001).
To date, the Help Fill A Dream Foundation of Canada has granted over 1500 dreams for children under the age of 19 with life threatening illnesses. Dreams range from trips to Disneyland, the most popular request, to purchasing computers to help with school work. The society also provides financial aid to families to ease the burden created by reduced incomes, medical expenses, and other drains on family resources.
New Executive Director
Paula Krisch has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Help Fill A Dream Foundation of Canada.
Ms. Krisch has a background in management and finance in the non-profit sector and was most recently the Manager of Operations of the BC Festival of the Arts. During Paula’s tenure the organization managed 12 multi-discipline arts festivals in 12 BC communities, attracting thousands of students who dreamed of a career in the arts.
In her new role with the Help Fill A Dream Foundation, Ms. Krisch works with a dedicated Board of Directors to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. “The Help Fill A Dream Foundation has restructured over the past couple of months”, said Bob Campbell, President of the HFAD Board of Directors, “but the service we offer to kids and their families has continued throughout the process and we look forward to serving this community far into the future. With that in mind, we are pleased that Paula has accepted our invitation to join us as Executive Director. She brings years of non-profit and finance experience to the position and epitomizes the standards of excellence that our clients and funding supporters deserve and expect.”
Oak Bay Kool 1/2 Marathon
The Oak Bay Kool 1/2 Marathon organized by Peninsula Runners took place May 28th, 2006 in Victoria. As the charity of choice for this year’s event, Help Fill A Dream was presented with a cheque for $5000.00. Monies will be used to support children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Peninsula Runners confirmed that Help Fill A Dream will be the charity of choice for next year’s run as well.
The registration for the race more than doubled from last year. Congratulations to all the runners who entered. A round of applause and thanks goes to the 90 volunteers who braved the early morning hours to come and support Help Fill A Dream. This event could not have happened without you!
Our sincere thanks go to Marty, Michelle and all the staff at Peninsula Runners for highlighting our foundation and choosing us as the charity of choice this year. We look forward to an even bigger success next year.
Golf for Kids Charity Golf Classic
Over the past 8 years, the Focus Corporation and co-partner Terasen Waterworks have raised more than $600,000 at the “Golf for Kids” charity golf classic in support of Help Fill A Dream. Last year, Help Fill A Dream received $100,000. Funds raised were used to fulfill the dreams of over 100 children from Vancouver Island.
This year, the Golf for Kids charity golf classic will be held at the spectacular Bear Mountain Golf Club and Resort in Victoria on September 16th.
Recent Dreams
Since January, Ryan, Jacob, Kyle, Kaeley and their families went to Disneyland, and Damian and his family travelled to Prince Rupert. Matthew, Ian, and Jaimon all received funds for special projects, and over 30 families have received, or are receiving, emergency financial assistance.