Each school semester, students in the therapeutic recreation program meet with interested residents and set out on a path to discover and fulfill the seniors’ dreams.

“A dream is a wish your heart makes and comes in all sizes and shapes of the imagination,” says Lois Blais, co-ordinator of volunteer services at the Leacock Care Centre.

“They can be personal and intimate or shared amongst family and friends.”

The program, with the financial support of fundraising dollars generated by the college and Jarlette Health Services’ Make a Wish foundation, has granted about a dozen wishes for 12 residents since its inception.

“It means a lot to (residents),” says Blais.

She says fulfilled dreams have included trips to a dog show, movie theatres, the bingo hall and even to see The Rockettes.

“A barn dance and ballroom dancers gliding across the floor have been enjoyed. Gatherings of families and friends at favourite restaurants have helped to rekindle and create new memories.”

Other dreams have included candle-lit dinners, rides in limousines, bouquets of flowers, personal items and a visit from Santa Claus. 

Georgian College’s therapeutic recreation program incorporated a dream weaving program into its curriculum called 'Second Wind Dreams,' a not-for-profit organization that publishes a detailed program guide focused on elders that covers the elements necessary to help create and fulfill a dream. 

“As part of their course requirement the students participating are graded on their ability to follow the guide, organize and fulfill a dream,” Blais says.

The students join the volunteer team at the Leacock and are partnered with residents wishing to participate.

“They get to know that person first,” says Blais. “Over several months relationships are built, dreams are established and then the magic of dreaming happens.”

Blais says the home is grateful to have such “an excellent partnership. It’s phenomenal.”