Cottage Owners


"Give what you have.  To someone, it may be better than you dare to think."                         

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807--1882)

Cottage Dreams is designed to ensure that the cottage donors experience the joy of giving with as little worry as possible.  It is our highest priority that the ideal guest/family are selected. A thorough application and screening process is in place to give you confidence in your decision to participate.  We will begin visiting cottages this spring.  Please let us know the best time for us to come by and say hello.

The response to Cottage Dreams has been incredibly positive and have designed the program details to ensure the protection and peace of mind for all our participants.  Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding cottage donations.  We encourage you to read the Participants section as well for additional information.

Who are the donors?
They are those who are fortunate enough to have a vacation property and are willing to donate it to Cottage Dreams for one or more weeks a year.  This is the opportunity to give the gift of peace of mind and family time to those who have recently fought the battle of their lives. Currently, we have over 70 donated cottages available to us!

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.  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. Cottage Dreams has received charitable status, allowing us to provide a tax receipts to our donors.

Do I need special insurance?
As with the renting out your cottage for profit, each participant or "renter" will sign a waiver releasing you and Cottage Dreams 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 owners.  This policy is in addition to your own coverage.  Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance for the "renting" of your property.  We are happy to provide you more information regarding our policy, simply contact us with your questions.

Who are the recipients and will they be well enough to enjoy their time away?
Cottage Dreams is for adults and children who are recent cancer survivors. They will not be undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments nor will they be recuperating from recent surgery.  It is paramount to us that you feel comfortable with your participation in the program.

What are the criteria for a suitable cottage?
We require that the cottage be:

  • 30-45 minutes from a hospital.
  • A working telephone must be available for local calls.
  • The cottage should be directly accessible by car.
  • If your cottage is winterized, the road should be ploughed.
  • Indoor plumbing is required.
  • Any additional amenities, such as a television or VCR, waterfront dock, beach, fireplace or canoe are icing on the cake.

Special Note  Not all of the cottages that have been offered can be used in the 2004 program.  This is due to the fact that we will place 15-25 families this year.  We hope you will stay with the program for next year if we do not match a family's needs with your cottage in 2004.

Contact us at here:  cottagedreams@sympatico.ca

As a cancer survivor myself, I appreciated first-hand how healing those days at the
cottage were to me. 
My husband and I were thrilled to be a part of such a worthwhile
endeavour.  Everything went smoothly.  It was wonderful to be able to share our piece of "heaven".

-W & F Powers
Cottage donors

What a brilliant idea -- the concept makes it so easy to share what others need so very much.  We are proud to be included in your
vision with Cottage Dreams and congratulate you on your vision and your generosity.  You have our wholehearted
support.
     

-Elaine Matton, Water's Edge Vacation Rentals

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