Since it's inception in 2003, we have offered the program at no cost. We work very hard to present this program to a group of amazing people, so we hope you will support us on this and continue to tell your friends and family about the program. - Seana O'Neill, Founder & President

  WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2010.

• NEW**  The deadline for completed applications for 2010 has been revised to allow you to send in your application at any time. The chance of you getting a July or August week becomes less likely the closer we get to the requested getaway date but we have many wonderful cottages for the fall and winter.
• The 2010 program will be offered from June 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
• Applications are available online.

• NEW**  Please note that due to the limited number of cottages and the number of hours each coordination requires, your visit may be cancelled if you make changes based on non-medical reasons. 

If you have questions about the deadlines, please call Jennifer at 705-457-9100.

We strongly encourage those currently in treatment to apply so they can get away shortly after completion of treatment.  We also encourage visits in September and October when the leaves are bursting with colour and the winter months, when you can snuggle close to the fire!

At this time we are unable to place those deemed palliative.

Cottage Dreams is a program available to Ontario cancer survivors and was created as a way for you to spend quality time with those who helped you come through an incredibly difficult time.  Cottage Dreams promotes nature in healing and looks forward to hearing from you.  Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions.

Who are the recipients?
When do I apply?
Is anyone able to apply?
How do I apply for the program?
After I register, how do I change my password?
What do I do if I lose my password or username?
When will I know if I am eligible for the program?
How long is the stay?
How much does it cost to participate?
How many people can accompany me?
What happens if property damage occurs while we're there?
Can we bring the family pet?
Can we bring any motorized vehicles?

Who are the recipients?

Ontario based adult and child recent cancer survivors who want to get away to a cottage to recover, reconnect and rebuild their lives (and have some fun!) with those who mean so much.

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When Can I Apply?

Cottage Dreams matches donated recreational properties with qualified recipients, who have completed their active treatment between September 1, 2008 and March 1, 2010.  If you are currently in treatment, please send in your application and we will work with you to book you for time away after your treatment is done.  It might be this year or next year. 

If you feel you are outside this criteria,  please contact Jennifer at 705-457-9100 or program.support@cottagedreams.org.   

Please note there is no guarantee for placement as each application is reviewed on an individual basis. The decisions of Cottage Dreams are final.

Again, you do not have to wait until you have completed your treatment to apply.  It is best to complete your application as early as possible to help us find your preferred dates and location 

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Is anyone able to apply?

Yes, any Ontario resident cancer survivor who has completed their primary treatment* within the dates stated above.

At the time of the cottage visit the guests will have completed their treatment and be feeling strong enough to  enjoy their time away and also to reduce the chance that a cancer-related emergency will occur.

*Definition of active treatment - recent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment. At this time, we are able to invite those who fall within our criteria to apply but please contact us at program.support@cottagedreams.org if you are unsure if you qualify.

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How do I apply for the program? Very Important

To apply, you have to register with us online. To do this, scroll to the top of this page, on the right hand side click on “visitor REGISTER”. Complete the registration form and click “submit”. You will receive an email with your username and password. Return to www.cottagedreams.org and click on “visitor LOGIN” to complete your online account. After you have completed all the online steps, download and print off the paperwork. Complete the paperwork and send it to us by the deadline.

 Please note: Paperwork will include medical disclosure from the applicant's oncologist or physician to support his/her participation in the program.  A legal waiver releasing Cottage Dreams and the cottage owners from liability is also included.  Due to the number of applications we receive, we regret that no extensions will be granted.

The applicant's medical paperwork will be reviewed by a medical professional, who will submit a written assessment to Cottage Dreams for consideration.

The applicant will supply Cottage Dreams with 2 references and other supporting material as part of the application. 

Once we are satisfied the applicant is eligible, we will finalize visit details and match the applicant's wish list with available cottages (as best we can!).

PLEASE NOTE:
Cottage Dreams is a charitable organization and operates to its maximum capacity and therefore we cannot guarantee that each applicant will be offered a placement.  As we continue to grow, we will increase the number of families that participate in the Cottage Dreams program. We appreciate your understanding.

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After I register, how do I change my password?

You can make changes to your account, including your password and contact information after you log in. To change your password, log in and click on "Change Email/Password".

What do I do if I lose my password or username?

You can reset your password by clicking on "Forgot your password? Click here." located below the Log In field. Fill in the required fields and click "submit". You will receive an email with your new password. It is suggested you change your password to something you can easily remember.

PLEASE NOTE:
It is STRONGLY ADVISED that you keep a record of your username and password in a safe place. If you require Cottage Dreams to reset your password or look up your username for you, please understand that this could take up to 10 business days. Cottage Dreams will not be responsible for any missed deadlines due to lost passwords/usernames.

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When will I know if I am eligible for the program?

Once you complete your online account and submit all necessary paperwork, we will process your application to determine if you are eligible for program. Eligible applicants will be contacted shortly afterwards by a Cottage Dreams representative. Ineligible applicants will be informed right away. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure both the online account and paperwork is complete and submitted before the deadline.  It is our goal to advise you at least 4 weeks prior to your visit.

How long is the stay?

The cottage visiting week is Sunday 2:00 pm arrival and Friday 12:00 pm departure.  We cannot guarantee your preferred date and location but again, we will do our best to accommodate both visitors and cottage owners.

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How much does it cost to participate?

Aside from giving a credit card number for a $175.00 security deposit, there will be no cost to participate.  The number will be requested only once you are a comfirmed participant. The week away is free with the exception of your groceries and transportation.

How many family members are able to participate?

You may choose to spend your time away alone but if you bring guests, the maximum number will be 6 visitors per cottage including the applicant.

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What happens if there is an accident or property damage has occurred?

Prior to confirming a placement, Cottage Dreams and the designated family representative will sign a legal waiver releasing the cottage owner, Cottage Dreams and any other third party rental agency from all liability. All properties will be insured prior to the visit. With regard to cleanliness and care, we expect the visiting family to respect the generosity of the cottage owner and care for their cottage as if it were their own.  The applicants credit card number will be kept by the Cottage Dreams office for two weeks post visit. After this period, the information will be destroyed.

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Can we bring the family pet?

There is a strict no pet policy in place. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause and cannot make exceptions.  Special arrangements will be made for registered assistive animals. While we understand that many family pets don't pose a threat in cottage country, some pets can become distracted in the new natural setting.  Also, our property owners may have allergy issues or may simply not want pets on their property.

Can we bring any motorized vehicles?

As with the pet policy, absolutely no motorized vehicles are allowed to be used or transported to the donated property for use during the week.  This includes but is not limited to:  motor boat (any size), Personal Watercraft, ATV's, snowmobiles, dirt bikes.