Seasons of families enjoying cottage country

Cottage Dreams is designed to ensure that the cottage donor experiences the joy of giving with as little worry as possible. It is our highest priority that the ideal guest/family is matched with the cottage that best suits their needs and wish list. A thorough application and screening process is in place to give you confidence with your decision to participate.

The response to Cottage Dreams has been incredibly positive and we have designed the program details to ensure the protection and peace of mind for all both owners and visitors.

The 2010 Cottage Dreams program will commence on June 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010. Please contact Cottage Coordinator Debbie Cumber at program.info@cottagedreams.org for program details.

Who are the Donors?

Those who are fortunate enough to have a vacation property and are willing to donate it to Cottage Dreams for one or more Sunday to Friday weeks a year. This is an opportunity to give the gift of peace of mind and family time to those who have recently fought cancer.

We are in great need of more July and August weeks to accommodate the children whose parents don't want them to miss anymore school.

Why become a donor?

As a cottage owner it is likely that your cottage is your home away from home.  It is used as a get away and a time for family.  Imagine if you had battled cancer and didn't have this luxury.  It is the intention of Cottage Dreams to initiate the sharing of what we have with those who have fought so hard and are not fortunate enough to have such a retreat.

What is the visiting timeframe?

Visitors arrive on 2:00pm on Sunday and leave by noon the following Friday.  A cottage reviewer will be sent to your cottage after the visiting family leaves to ensure the property was left as it was found.

Do I need special Insurance?

Each applicant will sign a waiver releasing you, Cottage Dreams and any third parties from any liability.  During the week the visitors are at your property, an insurance policy is put in place by Cottage Dreams without charge to the owner.  This policy is in addition to your own coverage.  We are happy to provide you with more information regarding our policy, simply contact us with your questions or to receive a copy.

Who are the recipients and will they be well enough to enjoy their time away?

Cottage Dreams is for adults and children who have finished active treatment and are on the road to recovery.  To make the greatest impact, applicants are eligible to be placed up to twelve months after completing treatment.  For example, if they finish treatment in July 2007, they can be placed up to July 2008.  The program is not available to those whose doctors deems them palliative or currently in treatment.

What are the criteria for a suitable cottage?

We require that the cottage meet the following qualifications:

• 30-45 minutes from a hospital or healthcare facility
• A working telephone for local calls or the ability to receive cellular reception
• Directly accessible by car (currently, water access properties are exempt from the program)
• Indoor plumbing is required.
• Any additional amenities, such as a television or VCR, waterfront dock, beach, fireplace or canoe are icing on the cake!

How do I proceed and what happens next?

It's quite simple. Just fill out our online form. Once we've received and reviewed your information, a Cottage Steward will contact you to discuss an in person visit to your property. We visit you and your cottage for two reasons: firstly, we like to get a feel for your property and take file photos that will enable us to match the family's wish list as best as we can. Secondly, we would like to help you become more familiar with Cottage Dreams and answer any questions you may have.

Once we have visited, you will receive regular communication from Cottage Dreams requesting availability dates. If your cottage is a fit for a specific family's requirements, we will contact you to discuss an invitation to your property. We try to confirm a placement four weeks in advance to ensure the successful organization of the recipient visit.

A tax receipt for the market value of a one week "rental" may be requested upon online sign up and issued post visit.

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