Annual Dreamnight at Vancouver Aquarium Celebrates
the Courage of Extraordinary Children and Families
Photo Credit: Brett Vo
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Last Tuesday evening, Vancouver Aquarium’s most cherished event, Dreamnight, presented by Shaw Communications, welcomed 550 brave children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and their families, immersing them in an unforgettable aquatic experience. Eleven years ago, Vancouver Aquarium was the very first aquarium in North America to host Dreamnight, a special evening dedicated to sick children and their families.
Photo Credit: Brett Vo
“Dreamnight is close to all of our hearts,” said Dr. John Nightingale, Vancouver Aquarium president and CEO. “With the help of our team, all of whom volunteer their time, and our community partners, we host this special evening to lift the spirits of courageous children fighting life-threatening illnesses and their families in the Aquarium’s magical, aquatic setting. It is our most heartfelt event, and one we look forward to the most year after year.”
Guests were invited to the one-of-a-kind evening through the many organizations that serve them year-round, including B.C. Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Children’s Heart Network, Children’s Organ Transplant Society, Children’s Wish Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. & Yukon, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Sunshine Foundation Dreams for Kids, and Variety – The Children’s Charity. Vancouver Aquarium dedicates this special evening to these guests, enabling them to experience the aquatic galleries and activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Shaw is passionate about supporting organizations that connect kids to our natural world, something that the Vancouver Aquarium is well known for in the Vancouver community,” said Doug McWilliams, Director of Operations, Coastal BC, Shaw Communications Inc. “Shaw has been involved with Dreamnight for several years, and we are excited to provide continued support for such a great event.”
In addition to the excitement generated by Aquarium interpreters, curators, scientists and trainers, guests interacted with hands-on touch pools in the Wet Lab, an immersive 4-D Experience movie, and educational animal programs. Other kid-friendly activities enhanced the festive atmosphere, including huggable mascots like the Aquarium’s beluga whale Bee Bop, music by award-winning musicians Bobs & LoLo, face-painting, and arts and crafts.
Photo Credit: Brett Vo
This year, Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck provided family-friendly fare, along with Tim Hortons’ Timbits and coffee among the other tasty treats. Dreamnight supporters also provided take-away goodies to the guests of honour – a perfect way to end a wondrous night, perhaps with even undersea creatures gently swimming in their dreams.
Vancouver Aquarium is deeply grateful to Dreamnight’s presenting sponsor Shaw Communications, and event partners including Bobs & Lolo; ImageWear, a Division of Mark’s; Fruit of the Loom; Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck; Showtime Pictures; Sysco Canada; and Tim Hortons Corporation.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org
