The KF Centre for Excellence was proud to welcome the Okanagan Dream Rally’s young Co-Pilots and their families for a special lunch stop on Saturday, July 25.
The biennial charity rally pairs children and youth facing difficult circumstances with volunteer drivers for an unforgettable ride in some of the world’s most remarkable dream cars. Beyond the excitement of the cars, the event creates a day when young people are celebrated, encouraged and invited to dream without limits.
That spirit connects closely with the purpose of the KF Centre. Through aviation, we share stories of achievement, perseverance and innovation, showing young people that extraordinary possibilities can begin with curiosity and a sense of wonder.
Following their morning drive through the Okanagan, the Co-Pilots arrived at the Centre to enjoy their bagged lunches surrounded by historic aircraft. The visit gave the children, families and drivers time to explore, connect and experience another world shaped by ambitious ideas and remarkable machines.
Since its launch in 2016, the Okanagan Dream Rally has raised more than $4.7 million for charity. This year’s proceeds support Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon and the KGH Foundation, helping provide care and support to children and families throughout the province.
Among those joining us was Samantha Sewell, recently crowned Miss Canada World International 2027. Diagnosed with apraxia of speech as a child, Samantha was told she might never communicate normally and later experienced severe bullying. She has since transformed those challenges into a platform for inclusion, anti-bullying advocacy and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
Samantha is also the founder and director of Raising Stars Preschool in Vernon, where neurodiverse and neurotypical children learn together in an inclusive environment. Her journey reflects an important message we hope every young visitor takes away from the KF Centre: challenges do not define what someone can achieve.
Opening our doors to community initiatives like the Okanagan Dream Rally allows the KF Centre to be more than a place where aviation history is displayed. It gives us an opportunity to use our space and stories to create meaningful experiences, encourage curiosity and help young people imagine what may be possible in their own lives.
We were honoured to contribute to a day filled with joy, connection and possibility. Thank you to the Okanagan Dream Rally organizers, drivers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters…and, most importantly, to the remarkable Co-Pilots who shared part of their day with us.
