OPS Joins Dreams Take Flight, Sending Local Kids on a Magical Journey to Disney

Long before sunrise—at an hour when most of the city was still fast asleep—the Ottawa Airport came alive with excitement, anticipation, and pure joy. It was the morning of Dreams Take Flight, an annual tradition that sends 120 deserving children from Ottawa and surrounding communities on an unforgettable day trip to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

In 2024, Cst. Joey McCormick of the Airport Unit at the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) launched an initiative to get OPS involved, further representing the Airport Unit and proudly joining in making the magic happen.

The OPS Airport Policing Unit was invited back this year, taking part in the “Morning of Flight” hangar celebration on November 18. For officers, showing up at 2 a.m. isn’t an obligation—it’s something they look forward to.

“I jumped at this opportunity to show my support on both a personal level, as a father myself, and professional level as a police officer giving back to the Community,” said Cst. McCormick.

Dreams Take Flight is a national, volunteer-run charity that provides children facing medical, physical, mental, or social challenges with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney. For many of these children, travel is something their families could never imagine. Volunteers and first responders gather in the early hours to cheer them on, celebrate their courage, and send them off in true VIP fashion.

“Corporate sponsors supporting Dreams Take Flight provide the plane, flight crew, fuel, medical staff, food, drinks, and gear,” Cst. McCormick explained. “It’s very well organized and every child has what they need to make this possible for them.”

The partnership with OPS highlights a broader commitment—supporting youth, building trust, and cultivating meaningful connections. Through Dreams in Action, officers have the opportunity to engage with young people in a positive, uplifting environment that showcases the human side of policing.

“The hangar is decorated, volunteers dress up in Disney characters, OPS bring a cruiser, and we are there to celebrate these kids and make it the most special send off.”

For the children, this day creates lifelong memories. For the officers, it’s a reminder of why community matters.

“It’s always a very emotional morning,” said Cst. McCormick. “The presence of OPS officers brings comfort and encouragement that means the world to these kids.”

As the plane took off toward Orlando, filled with sleepy smiles and wide-eyed excitement, the OPS team remained on the ground—grateful to have played even a small part in turning dreams into reality.