Michelle Harrison dreamed her dreams with open eyes and had a gift for finding a way to make them come true.
The co-founder of the Rainbow Society in 1983 (renamed the Dream Factory in 2011), she dedicated her life to granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Her daughter Shaena Harrison said her mother’s lessons about life were never just talk: “They came with bold actions.”
The co-founder of the Rainbow Society in 1983 (renamed the Dream Factory in 2011), she dedicated her life to granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.
The first wish Michelle granted through the Dream Factory was bringing Wayne Gretzky to meet a sick child after approaching the hockey star outside the Winnipeg Arena.
“While most would hesitate to stand in the cold hoping to talk to a celebrity, Mom was different,” Shaena said.
“Driven by her belief that ‘Those that don’t ask, don’t get,’ she made it happen. Not only did Gretzky agree to meet the child, but that moment also set the tone for how the foundation would operate: bold, persistent, and always with heart.”
Harrison’s daughter said that first effort exemplified how her mother approached life.
“Put yourself out there, take risks and speak up for what you believe in. She inspired us all to aim higher and be kinder because of it,” she said.
Michelle Harrison (left) co-founded what became the Dream Factory in the 1980s and dedicated her life to numerous Winnipeg causes over several decades.
Born in Edmonton in 1958, Harrison learned the value of resilience and adaptability early on, facing frequent moves in her childhood years.
The family moved to Winnipeg in 1982 when Harrison was a new mother. Two years later, her relationship ended and she found herself navigating life as a single parent. But nothing stopped her from pursuing her other passions.
It was while at St. Mary’s Academy that Harrison’s commitment to community service was ignited. There, she was indelibly influenced by Sister Geraldine McNamara, founder of Rossbrook House, a neighbourhood drop-in centre and a safe place for children and youth to belong.
McNamara’s dedication to community involvement and compassion inspired Harrison to quickly put those lessons into practice during her tenure at Rossbrook House, where she connected with marginalized youth.
Living those same values permeated her entire career, which included leadership roles in several non-profit organizations.
Harrison’s daughter said her mother’s creativity didn’t stop at art, but spilled over into how she connected with people — especially kids.
Upon learning that her lung cancer diagnosis was terminal, Harrison decided to launch her living memorial campaign to raise funds for the Dream Factory, which has in its four decades granted nearly 1,000 wishes for Manitoba children battling life-threatening illnesses.
Harrison died on April 17 at the age of 65.
Rose Passante met Harrison more than 40 years ago and developed a close connection. The two worked together at the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival and in former-Mayor Glen Murray’s office. Passante called it a privilege watching Harrison’s not-for-profit work, which included assisting the formation of the Clan Mothers.
“We remained close until her death and I was very proud to call Michelle a dear friend,” said Passante. ”The living legacy of raising money for the Dream Factory was one of her final acts of kindness.”
Shaena Harrison: She dedicated her life to bringing a bit of joy to children who were dealing with so much at such a young age.
Harrison’s daughter Shaena said her mother was driven by the belief that “kindness could really transform lives.”
“She dedicated her life to bringing a bit of joy to children who were dealing with so much at such a young age,” she said.
A talented artist, Harrison was known for creating beautiful acrylic and watercolour paintings. She also collaborated with, and supported, other artists along the way.
Indigenous artist Jackie Traverse is widely known in communities across Canada. Her paintings, drawings, documentaries and sculptures speak to the realities of being an Indigenous woman. Traverse was a friend and colleague of Harrison’s. The two worked together on many creative community projects.
Her daughter Shaena Harrison said her mother’s lessons about life were never just talk: “They came with bold actions.”
“I miss Michelle. I have her photo in my camera roll and I’m usually scrolling through to find pics of paintings or photo references that I’ve saved and I’ll come across her pic,” she said.
“Some days I’ll stop and say, ‘I miss you Michelle,’ to her picture. Other times I’ll tear up. I miss our video chats. We did that almost daily for the past few years. I miss her big smile and her warm-hearted laughter.”
Traverse said Harrison was instrumental in boosting her career, helping her secure some major commissions and shared in her excitement about applying for grants.
“Creator sent me Michelle as a friend I really needed,” she said. “Honestly, I would not be where I am today as an artist without her. It’s as though she gave me that little push that got me to fly.”
Harrison’s daughter said her mother’s creativity didn’t stop at art, but spilled over into how she connected with people — especially kids.
Harrison’s daughter said her mother’s creativity didn’t stop at art, but spilled over into how she connected with people — especially kids.
”She had this magic touch, you know,” she said. “I remember that even when I was growing up, she genuinely poured her heart into every interaction, treating every child like they were her own, always going that extra mile.”
Harrison did the same with her two beloved grandsons, making them a priority despite their distant lives in Sweden.
Her daughter said She FaceTimed with them every day, and visited as often as she could, filling every trip with memories.
“Her visits were the highlights of the year,” said Shaena. “She just had this way of making everyone feel like they were the most important people in her life — because to her, we really were. She was the best mom and grandma.”
A talented artist, Harrison was known for creating beautiful acrylic and watercolour paintings. She also collaborated with, and supported, other artists along the way.
Shaena said her mother raised millions for local charities over the years, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, Kinsmen Reh-Fit Centre, Camp Manitou and Clan Mothers Healing Village.
“Many of these organizations might not have been able to start or continue their important work without her tireless contributions,” she said. “Those lessons from her guide me daily and inspire me to pass these values onto my kids.
“I just hope I can keep her spirit alive, keep pushing to make things a little better for someone else, just like she did.”
In Michelle Harrison’s memory, donations may be made to the Dream Factory, to continue her legacy of giving hope and joy to children and their families: wfp.to/livingmemorial
