Dream–A–Way is a locally based charity which was founded in 1993. It provides holidays and day trips for seriously ill or disabled people of all ages, living throughout the South West region.
The charity was initially formed by a small group of friends with the aim to help as many special clients as possible.
The opportunity for committee members and friends of Dream–A–Way to raise money and help others has always been the driving force behind the charity.
We have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams – more than 99% of all money raised goes straight to providing holidays and nothing is spent on expenses or payments to helpers. Everyone involved with Dream–A–Way is an unpaid volunteer.
In the first year the charity raised just over £10,000. During 2010 we raised in excess of £150,000, and in February 2010, celebrated reaching the 1 million pound mark in fundraising, since our inception.
Our ongoing fundraising efforts include activities such as an Annual black tie Ball (at Sandy Park), Golf Days, Dragon Boat Racing, karting and the Exeter Santa Fun Run.
Dream- A-Way owns eight luxury caravans at Sandy Bay which provide holidays for our clients annually, between March and October.
More than 10,000 people and their carers and families have benefitted from day trips, outings and dream trips of a lifetime ranging from staying in the caravans to visiting Disneyland Florida and Australia.
On 2nd June 2008 Dream–A–Way were honoured by Her Majesty the Queen when we were one of only two organisations in Devon to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (formerly The Queen’s Golden Jubilee
Award).
In 2009, we were privileged to be chosen as the Lord Mayor of Exeter’s Charity of the Year and enjoyed an exciting twelve months of fundraising events.
This has helped considerably to increase the profile of the Dream-A-Way and funds raised have enabled the charity to purchase our eighth caravan at Sandy Bay.
Dream–A–Way is proud to be a local charity, based within, and engaging with, the local community.
The majority of the committee live and work locally.
Over the years the charity has received magnificent support from people in the Exeter area, from individuals and businesses alike, who have enabled us to continue to provide holiday opportunities for special people.
Dream-A-Way would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Exeter Chiefs for choosing us as one of the organisations involved with the Exeter Foundation from the beginning.
It is a real honour to be recognised by such a respected and prestigious organisation
Dream-A-Way are proud to have been selected by the Chiefs and through membership of their Exeter Foundation, will continue to do everything they can do to support local people with disabilities
Keep smiling
Jeff MERRETT MBE Chairman
For further information about Dream-A-Way and the holidays we can provide please visit our modern and informative website www.dream-a-way.co.uk.
Exeter Foundation Dinner