Nicole Asselin - Dream Team 2015

Dreams Take Flight Ottawa (“DTF Ottawa”) provides a one-day trip of a lifetime to Disney's Magic Kingdom for physically, medically and/or socially challenged children in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. It provides children the opportunity to forget about their illness, if only for just one day. It shows these children that people do care about them – and hopefully has a lasting impression throughout their lives. September 25, 2014 marks DTF Ottawa’s 20^th Anniversary flight when they will take 100 children down to Disney to have a magical day. I've been involved with DTF Ottawa since 2001 when I took that first flight to Disney. Seeing the “Cheshire Cat” permanent grin on these children’s faces during their one day journey is what brings me back year after year!

The Dream Mountains Foundation organizes annual climbs in order to raise funds for seven local charities. Over the past year, I‘ve had to rise to my own share of personal challenges, but am now ready to direct my energy to other people’s concerns and grow personally again. So when I was presented with an opportunity to participate in another charity climb with Dream Mountains in April 2015 to Everest Base Camp, I said: “Absolutely count me in!”

This will be my second charity climb. I am looking forward to not only another adventure but to surpassing our 2013 teams’ contribution of $120,000 to seven local charities! Two of DTF Ottawa’s largest expenses are: Disney tickets (approx. $14,000) and aircraft fuel (approx. $20,000). My two personal goals for this adventure is: (1) to successfully climb to Everest Base Camp (5,364 metres/17,598 feet), and (2) exceed my $5,000 fundraising goal by solely raising enough money to pay for either the Disney tickets or aircraft fuel for DTF Ottawa’s 2015 flight.

Outside of the office, I focus my time on health, fitness, travelling and community volunteering -- so this is a win/win situation for me to be able to participate in this charity climb! This adventure will no doubt challenge me both physically and mentally by taking me out of my comfort zone (e.g. altitude, harsh elements as well challenging my discomfort with heights). However, what will help maintain my focus the most is that this money will help benefit so many community children.

So you might ask where do you fit into all of this? I am requesting your assistance to help reach my fundraising goal. Please consider making a donation, however big or small, to this worthy cause.All of the proceeds go directly to DTF Ottawa and you will be issued an immediate tax receipt for your donation. From me and the children who benefit from DTF Ottawa, we want to thank you in advance for your support!

I encourage you to visit DTF Ottawa’s website  to view photos and videos from past flights