Photo: Bev Kenzie

Alia, 8, didn't wake up Sunday morning thinking she would be going to Disneyland in two days, but was surprised with the trip of a lifetime.

The smiley girl lives with a severe disability, which often forces her to use a wheelchair in order to get around.  

On Sunday, Nov. 12 the Sunshine Foundation of Canada surprised Alia and her family, with an all expenses paid trip to Disneyland in California.

“She was absolutely surprised because she didn’t know this was going to happen,” said Bev Kenzie, Sunshine Foundation of Canada representative. “Her parents were just absolutely thrilled.”

The Sunshine Foundation of Canada makes dreams come true for children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses, according to the website.

Alia was given the exciting news at Winners in West Kelowna.

“There was actually a young lady who who came and dressed up as one of the characters from Frozen and she got a friend of hers to dress up as the other,” Kenzie said. “Sunshine Bear was there as well.”

Alia’s mother was thrilled when she received the news.

“Amy had lots of tears in her eyes and was just so excited for her little girl,” Kenzie said.