By Nicole Favero
On October 5, 2026, Vancouver Canucks Alumni members Dave Babych and Chris Higgins traded their hockey sticks for a little Disney magic, joining an extraordinary group of children for an unforgettable journey to Disneyland in California as part of Dreams Take Flight Vancouver’s annual adventure.
For more than three decades, Dreams Take Flight has been creating life-changing experiences for children facing medical, physical, mental, social, or emotional challenges. Founded in 1989 by a group of Air Canada employees, the entirely volunteer-driven charity has grown into a nationwide initiative, providing deserving children with an all-expenses-paid trip to one of the world’s most magical destinations.
The Vancouver chapter, established in 1993, provides this opportunity to children from British Columbia and the Yukon, many of whom would otherwise never have the chance to experience such a trip.
Long before sunrise, the excitement began at Air Canada’s Vancouver hangar, where children, volunteers, and special guests gathered for a day unlike any other. With Air Canada generously providing the aircraft, the group departed for Los Angeles before making their way to Disneyland for a full day of rides, attractions, character encounters, and unforgettable experiences.
For these children, however, the day represents something far greater than a visit to a theme park. It is an opportunity to leave everyday challenges behind, experience the excitement of adventure, build confidence, form new friendships, and simply enjoy being a kid. Dreams Take Flight believes that experiences like these can open children’s minds to new possibilities, creating memories and a sense of hope that extend well beyond the day itself.
For the Vancouver Canucks Alumni, this year’s flight held an especially meaningful connection.
At our 27th Annual Canucks Alumni Golf Classic, held June 1 at University Golf Club, Dreams Take Flight was selected as one of the beneficiaries of our Fund-a-Need campaign. Through the generosity of our golfers, sponsors, donors, and supporters, the campaign raised funds to help provide extraordinary travel experiences for children who face significant challenges in their everyday lives.
Just four months later, that support came full circle as Dave and Chris joined the children on their journey to Disneyland, representing the Alumni and sharing in a day dedicated entirely to bringing happiness and excitement to young lives.
Ahead of the flight, Dave and Chris also joined Dreams Take Flight Vancouver President Megan Livingston on Global News Morning to help raise awareness of the initiative and share their enthusiasm for the upcoming adventure.
Their involvement reflects an important part of what the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Foundation strives to accomplish. While fundraising provides essential financial support to organizations doing remarkable work throughout our province, the personal involvement of our Alumni adds another meaningful dimension. By generously giving their time, lending their voices, and participating in these special experiences, our members help strengthen the connection between our Foundation and the children and families we are proud to support.
For Dave and Chris, the opportunity to be part of such a special day was another example of the meaningful impact former players can continue to have long after their playing careers have ended.
The success of Dreams Take Flight is made possible through the dedication of its volunteers, the generosity of Air Canada, and the support of countless sponsors and donors who work tirelessly throughout the year to bring this remarkable experience to life. Every detail, from transportation and meals to park admission and activities, is thoughtfully arranged so that the children can focus entirely on enjoying their adventure.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dreams Take Flight Vancouver for the incredible work they continue to do for children across British Columbia and the Yukon, and to the volunteers and supporters who make each flight possible. A special thank you to Dave Babych and Chris Higgins for representing our Alumni and helping make this year’s journey even more memorable.
We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who supported our 2026 Alumni Golf Classic. Seeing the impact of that generosity through initiatives like Dreams Take Flight is a powerful reminder of why our fundraising efforts matter. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child isn’t something they can hold, but an experience they will carry with them for a lifetime.