The wide grins on the kids' faces are key reasons Thomas Greyson volunteers each year for Dreams Take Flight. The 36-year-old Air Canada maintenance employee has been involved with the flight that takes disabled and disadvantaged kids to Disneyland for 16 years.
Lori Ferguson, past-president of the 麻豆传媒映画Chapter of Dreams Take Flight, who recruited Greyson is the other reason. "Lori inspired me to act in a more selfless manner and she showed that helping others makes us all better people. She succumbed to brain cancer a few years ago. This changed me profoundly."
Each year, 125 kids are selected to take the Disney trip. Air Canada donates the aircraft, but Greyson and volunteers fundraise to cover fuel, handling charges, ground transportation, entrance fees and food. (A Swing Fling Dinner and Dance fundraiser is April 28 at the Delta Airport Hotel. Go to gala4dreams.com for details.)
This year is the 20th anniversary of the 麻豆传媒映画chapter. Nearly 2,500 kids have benefitted from the charity that has branches in seven other Canadian cities. The kids, along with their families and volunteers, take off early in the morning for a 24-hour visit to the Magic Kingdom.
Success is easily measured for Greyson. He simply looks in the mirror after a trip. "I am a mess! My shirt has ice cream stains on it, my legs exhausted from chasing kids ... and my tired eyes from looking after my group of kids."
How much does each trip cost?
Each flight costs roughly $50k.
Most memorable moment?
I had a little guy... who came from a home-life that can only be described as a nightmare. Onboard the flight we offer the kids juice, milk, or chocolate milk to drink. When asked what he wanted he turned to me and asked, "What's milk?" As I talked to him he said that they do not drink milk at home. He was six. He had two chocolate milks and I couldn't keep up with him after that.
Biggest reward?
Contributing to someone else's happiness.
Favourite Disney character?
Jiminy Cricket. He is always impeccably dressed!
Biggest wish?
Long life so I can experience as much of this world and its incredible wonders as I can.
Best life lesson?
Put your best foot forward and you'll do all right.
A lesson to share?
Helping others that are worse off than you is an uplifting experience. If we all pitched in a little more to help each other, we would all have more smiles and less frowns.
How would you change the world if you could?
That laughter was our religion.
One thing you wish Vancouverites would stop whining about?
I haven't met anyone who complains about Vancouver. I tell those who mention the rain to get a pair of rubber boots and jump in a puddle. Now that's real fun and takes 20 years off instantly.
Biggest accomplishment?
Work in progress... I'm not sure what it is yet.
Biggest failure?
I don't believe in failure. There are only opportunities for growth and ways to do it better next time around. That may frustrate some people, but it works for me.
Three words to live by?
Laugh. Explore. Share.
Your secret talent? I can whip up an incredible breakfast on top of a local mountain peak to watch the sun rise.
One thing you can't live without?
Two double espressos before 6 a.m., so I can get both eyes open.
Best place for coffee?
In my backyard, amongst the vegetables and flowers.
Best bar/lounge?
The Irish Heather. A lively crowd and a well-poured Guinness seem to keep me interested.
Favourite restaurant?
Hime Sushi on East Broadway. They do a nice seafood okonomiyaki.
Last book read?
Trudeau Transformed, The Shaping of a Statesman 1944-1965 by Monique Nemni and Max Nemni.
Favourite movie?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Favourite pastime?
Snowboarding.
Favourite sports team?
The Toronto Blue Jays. I used to watch them with my Grandfather and I have enjoyed them ever since.
Best thing about this city?
Variety truly is the spice of life and 麻豆传媒映画represents this well.
Local person you admire most?
My feisty Italian wife. She has to put up with me.
