Dreams Take Flight volunteer on inaugural flight to Disney World in 1990 gives back

When she was nine-year-old, Maria Baccega received tickets to attend the first ever Dreams Take Flight trip to Disney World in 1990. A few years ago, she found out that the charity still exists.

For four years, Baccega has volunteered with the charity that flies less fortunate children from across Canada to Disney World for a single day. She is the only child who was on the inaugural flight who grew up to eventually return as a volunteer.

“It was really nice to be able to give back in that sense and to find out the charity still exists," she tells Yahoo Canada Shine. "And to be able to actually be hands-on and give back to the same charity was pretty cool.”

This year, the charity is celebrating its 25^th anniversary. Claudia’s children will be on that special flight.

“I’m so excited for [the children]," she says. "I was planning to take my daughter for her birthday, so this is such a wonderful gift.”

And what are the kids looking forward to the most?

“The food!” says Tyjean. one of the children who will be heading to Disney World. "And to meet him," he continues, pointing to a blow-up Mickey Mouse. "He’s my favourite.”

It’ll be a day packed full of excitement. Baccega says she’ll try to plan the day out with her group on the plane and get on as many rides as possible.

When the exciting day ends, it's bittersweet.

“You almost drive home and just want to cry from happiness for [the children]. I sound silly but you see how happy they are when they come home and it’s done but you wish you could take them back the next day," Baccega says.

Dreams Take Flight estimates that by the end of the year it will fly a total of 23,000 children to Disney World.