Ted Ward-Griffin

Dreams of meeting Mickey Mouse will soon become a reality for 80 children from Brant-Haldimand and region who are challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. On April 12, the 48th Sunshine DreamLift departs from Hamilton International Airport to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

The Sunshine DreamLift – a one-day, whirlwind adventure to the Magic Kingdom that is organized by The Sunshine Foundation of Canada – has been made possible through the efforts of a group of residents led by Re/Max Twin Cities Realty salesperson Ted Ward-Griffin, who formed the Dream Tree committee. It began as a basic, albeit labour-intensive, fundraising event. Ward-Griffin learned of a real estate office in New Brunswick that purchased a Christmas tree, which they toted on a wagon door to door, business to business, offering light bulbs for sale in support of charity. The “Tree of Lights” was born from this inspiration, raising less than $1,500 in the first year of the campaign, but spreading Sunshine’s mission throughout the city.

Almost 20 years and one name change later, the Dream Tree is now comprised of an organizing committee of more than 20 members and raises an average of $100,000 per campaign year. In addition to raising funds to grant individual dreams to Sunshine children, Ward-Griffin decided several years ago that a DreamLift sponsored by the Dream Tree group would be a perfect way to show the local community the impact of their support.

He was presented with the 2010 Wayne C. Dunn Spirit of Service Award by the Sunshine Foundation of Canada. It is a national award presented annually to an individual who has made substantial and sustained contributions of his own personal time and talent to ensure Sunshine’s mission.