The Dream Ride is the brainchild of Gary and Marsha Forgue, to help raise money to make dreams come true for Westman children facing life-threatening illnesses. This is the second year for the event, which has already grown tremendously even in the face of COVID-related challenges. This year’s ride was partly in-person and partly virtual, with some riders doing the full ride through the park and some using a different route in their own area.

Riders solicited pledges which go towards this year’s recipients, and also promoted the cause and the partner organisation. The Dream Factory is a Manitoba-based charitable organisation, formerly known as The Rainbow Society, which since 1983 has funded dreams for nearly 800 Manitoba families. They encourage kids to dream big, and dreams they have fulfilled run the spectrum from visiting Japan to meeting pop stars to princess makeovers.

The Dream Factory relies solely on the support of people and businesses, through fundraisers such as the Dream Ride, but also through volunteering or donating directly to the organisation. The unfortunate truth is that there are always more children who could use a dream come true. Those dreams are important, because they are what help lift spirits and bring joy to children and families who are experiencing an otherwise very difficult time.

This year’s recipients for The Dream Ride are two sisters who have both been facing a challenging road. Four-year-old Brie is fighting Ewing Sarcoma, and two-year-old Aria has been diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

Dream Ride 2021 smashed its fundraising goal of $10,000 dollars, ultimately bringing in $42,606 to help make Brie and Aria’s dreams come true.