“SUNSHINE FOUNDATION:  DREAMS FOR KIDS”

(www.sunshine.ca)

What is the Sunshine Foundation?

The Sunshine Foundation of Canada is a national charitable organization that makes dreams come true for children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Since 1987, we have fulfilled more than 6,500 dreams for children across Canada .

The dreams children share with us are as unique as they are. Some dreams are a family trip to an exciting place, a gift such as a computer or specialized bike, or a chance to meet a favourite celebrity. “DreamLifts” are one-day whirlwind adventures organized by Sunshine to fly a large group of children with special medical needs to an exciting place like a Disney Park . Volunteer health care professionals travel with the group to help meet the kids’ medical needs.

The Sunshine Foundation was established in 1987 by a Canadian police officer who lost his teenaged son to muscular dystrophy. As a lasting legacy to his son, he sought to brighten the lives of other children with special challenges by fulfilling their most cherished dreams. Sunshine is volunteer-powered, with Chapter communities Canada-wide, supported by one small national home office

Sunshine receives no government or United Way funding and relies on the generosity of individual and corporate donors to achieve its mission.

What types of Dreams does Sunshine fulfill?

The Individual Dreams children share with us are as unique as they are. Some dreams are a family trip to an exciting place, a gift such as a computer or specialized bike, or a chance to meet a favourite celebrity. “Dreamlift” are one-day whirlwind adventures organized by Sunshine to transport a large group of children with special medical needs to an exciting place like a Disney Park . Volunteer health care professionals travel with the group to help meet the kids’ medical needs.

How is Sunshine Foundation structured?

Sunshine Foundation has over 700 active volunteers in 30 chapters located all across Canada . The National Office staff of 19, located in London , Ontario , supports all chapters. This ensures that a majority of donations received go towards fulfilling dreams.

How is Sunshine Foundation funded?

Sunshine receives no government funding for its operations. We fulfill dreams with the help of generous people, companies and fundraising groups. We are proud to say that only 12.7% of revenues raised goes to administering our programs.

What does Canada Galaxy do for Sunshine?

The reigning Queens of Canada Galaxy, whether it be Regional or National, spreads Sunshine around her as the year goes on.  She can be called upon to assist in dream deliveries and fundraising activities.  How involved you get is up to you, however, it is expected that Sunshine be one of your charities of choice as the Canada Galaxy fundraising efforts are geared toward supporting Sunshine.  Our past regional and national titleholders have worked hard with this charity to make a positive difference by fundraising and delivering dreams nation-wide.

To find out more information on the Sunshine Foundation, please visit their website.

www.sunshine.ca