Volunteer with Project Sunshine Canada at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre

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About Project Sunshine Canada

Location:

P.O. Box 83520 RPO Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 3T6, CA

Mission Statement

Project Sunshine is an international non-profit organization that provides free educational, creative, and social programs to children facing medical challenges. Our trained volunteers spread sunshine, restoring a crucial sense of normalcy to the pediatric healthcare environment. Project Sunshine Canada’s programs include arts and crafts, reading, caregiver wellness, and special events, which provide children and their families with a much-needed break from the daily trials associated with medical issues.

Description

In 1998, college student Joe Weilgus visited a friend in the hospital. Walking by the pediatric wing, he noticed so many young patients sitting alone in their rooms with nothing to do. Unable to forget what he saw, Joe returned to the hospital the following week dressed up as a clown determined to spread cheer.

Joe’s positive energy boosted the morale of scared patients and anxious caregivers. Through "clowning around" with the kids and keeping them company, he realized that every young patient could benefit from the same support and companionship. He recruited classmates to join him in his volunteer efforts to brighten the lives of local pediatric patients. Shortly after, other college campuses expressed interest in making a difference, with Joe’s co-workers later doing the same.

And Project Sunshine was born.

Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1999, Project Sunshine opened its first professional office in New York City in the early 2000s.
In 2006 Project Sunshine Canda was incorporated. Today, Project Sunshine operates programs in 5 countries, impacts over 150,000 pediatric patients and their families, and provides meaningful community service opportunities to over 18,000 volunteers. We work hard to raise awareness for the emotional needs of children facing medical challenges and their often forgotten caregivers.
Since 2012 Project Sunshine Canada has touched the lives of over 80,000 children and their families.