Every child deserves to dream, but for kids battling life-threatening illnesses, those dreams hold an even deeper meaning. For these children, a dream is not only an aspiration but an opportunity to escape the challenges of long-term illness and rediscover joy. The Dream Factory, a Manitoba-based non-profit, exists to turn those dreams into reality while providing much-needed support for families navigating unimaginable challenges.
If you’re familiar with The Dream Factory, you might picture magical trips to Disney, celebrity meet-and-greets, or once-in-a-lifetime shopping sprees. But, as Executive Director Andrew Kussy explains, “People often have a 7-day understanding of our organization, when really, it’s a 7-year journey.” While the big dreams are vital to The Dream Factory’s work, they don’t tell the whole story.
Beyond granting dreams, The Dream Factory provides ongoing support for families throughout their child’s entire illness — often spanning 5-7 years. Every family’s journey begins with a referral, which can come from a friend, family member, doctor, teacher, nurse, or coach. The Dream Factory does not limit the number of referrals yearly and is open to any Manitoba-based child under 18 battling a life-threatening illness. Their mission, “To create unforgettable experiences for Manitoba kids battling life-threatening illnesses and provide their families with a community of support,” ensures no family faces these challenges alone.
“We know that the reality of having a child with a life-threatening illness requires just as much support and is just as important as the dream.”
When families first connect with The Dream Factory, often weeks after a diagnosis, their world has been turned upside down. “We always start from that place of where the family is, what their reality looks like, and how we can provide support,” shares Andrew. Their initial focus is on immediate and practical help, like assistance covering expenses like gas, groceries, parking, or other unexpected costs. “We know that the reality of having a child with a life-threatening illness requires just as much support and is just as important as the dream,” Andrew emphasizes. The goal is to ease the day-to-day burdens of families while they focus on their child’s health.
Another essential part of the Dream Factory’s mission is to be a third place for children and families. In October 2024, they moved into a new location at 93 Lombard in the Exchange with the intention of creating a community space. The repurposed warehouse they call home once housed bustling manufacturing facilities, and now, within the historic exposed brick walls, dreams are carefully crafted and brought to life for kids facing critical illnesses. Its child-centric, playful design is full of little wonders designed to bring moments of delight. There’s a claw machine (designed to win every time, of course), a kitchen stocked with snacks and a whimsical “Dream Machine” that lets kids send their wishes soaring through colourful tubes.“We want to remind families that there’s room for moments of fun and joy in their medical journey. We’re trying to change the fabric of that a little,” shares Andrew.
The playful and vibrant design of The Dream Factory is more than just fun — it’s deeply intentional. It’s designed as a place where kids can be kids and have agency. The space is brimming with choice and joy, creating moments of celebration that kids might not otherwise have in the structured realities of medical care. “We know that when kids are in treatment, they are missing out on so many experiences. They are in isolation; they are not going to school or playing on their sports teams. We view our goal in the community as trying to add back as many of those experiences as possible,” Andrew shares.
And, of course, there are the dreams — the awe-inspiring, headline-grabbing moments that The Dream Factory is best known for. Since 1983, they have met over 1000 Dream Kids in Manitoba, each with a dream more unique than the last. The dreams are personalized experiences, like travelling to a dream destination, meeting celebrities like Dolly Parton or Billie Eilish, or bedroom makeovers. While the dream itself is the pinnacle moment, it’s part of the broader support program The Dream Factory offers families throughout their journey.
Take Dream Kid Olivia, a 4-year-old whose greatest wish is to attend mermaid school in Hawaii. When she first joined The Dream Factory, she had a medical port that prevented her from swimming. After her port was removed, The Dream Factory celebrated her progress with a backyard mermaid-themed party, complete with a visit from Ariel. This wasn’t her “big dream” but a thoughtful gesture that brought her joy in the moment. These smaller moments of happiness are just as important as the grand ones.
At the heart of The Dream Factory’s work is the Manitoba community. As a local organization, every dollar raised stays within the province, directly supporting families in need. This model of community-driven care is what makes their work so impactful. “Every dollar that we have to invest in our programming comes from someone in the community who believes in what we do,” shares Andrew. Their growth and impact are only possible because Manitobans believe in their mission and stand behind it.
“If you can be the best part of someone’s worst day, that’s a privilege.”
The Dream Factory’s work reminds us that amidst the difficulties of life-threatening illnesses, there is room for hope, joy, and celebration. “If you can be the best part of someone’s worst day, that’s a privilege,” Andrew shares. With a philosophy rooted in community and compassion, they are rewriting what it means to support families through the most challenging moments of their lives.
Every child deserves to dream through every step of their journey. If you’d like to help make more dreams come true, you can support The Dream Factory through donations, fundraising, or spreading the word.
Learn more:
@thedreamfactorymb
https://www.thedreamfactory.ca/
Or find them at 93 Lombard Ave, Suite #105