The time spent waiting in line for a burger and fries was worth it.
The 19th annual Wendy’s Dreamlift Day broke its fundraising record by $750, bringing in a total of $115,027.86.
New ownership didn’t seem to affect the public’s appetite for the fundraiser as residents throughout the southern interior of B.C. graciously gave their time and money to support the cause.
Throughout Dreamlift Day’s 19-year history, more than $1.22 million has been put toward trips to Disneyland for local children suffering from severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
The total includes gross profits, wages and salaries from all the staff, management and ownership of the nine Wendy’s restaurants in Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton.
Former Wendy’s employees and community volunteers also lent their time to flip burgers, prepare salads, clean tables and greet customers.
The funds raised will be earmarked for the next Wendy’s Dreamlift to Disneyland this December.
Anne Miller, president of the Sunshine Foundation B.C. Interior chapter, said a typical Dreamlift trip costs around $150,000 to facilitate.
“We are the only club in the country that has the Dreamlift every two years because of the funds that have been raised by Wendy’s,” said Miller.
Although the total dollars from the annual Wendy’s fundraiser continues to inch closer to the amount needed to orchestrate a Dreamlift, Miller said the trip isn’t likely to become an annual event anytime soon.
“There are other (Sunshine Foundation) clubs across Canada that go on Dreamlifts and there is a lot of planning required…if we were the only chapter in the country, it’d be different.
“To have it every second year, it won’t get any closer than that—it’s a year of planning to put the whole thing together.”
The theme of this year’s Dreamlift is: Refer a child. Miller said the foundation is hopeful 82 deserving kids will be on the flight to Anaheim this December.
To refer a child for the winter Dreamlift to Disneyland, visit sunshine.ca.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
