--- title: What We Do – Project Sunshine Canada description: What We Do – Project Sunshine Canada --- ![bubble-boy](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/bubble-boy2.jpg) # What We Do ### Changing the Way People See Healthcare Project Sunshine brings volunteer-led programming to pediatric patients and their families in a variety of medical settings. We recognize the tremendous weight of managing a child’s illness or injury, whether it requires short-term or long-term care. Every child with a medical challenge is unique, and our programs seek to adapt to the individual needs of each child. Our three types of programming, **Here to Play, Kits for Play, and ****TelePlay **are tailored for patients’ developmental and psycho-social needs during treatment. We provide family-centered opportunities for joy, connection, socialization and memory-making. ![TelePlay Girl](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/Teleplay.jpg) ## TelePlay ### TelePlay is an online platform bringing play to children and teens with games and activities. Children across Canada are experiencing increased anxiety and stress. **TelePlay** was created to help support children’s strong mental and physical health**. **TelePlay provides developmentally appropriate and necessary play opportunities to children and their families. TelePlay also helps to increase joy and emotional relief, while decreasing stress and feelings of isolation. TelePlay is free, and open to any child whose parents feel it would be helpful to their children. ![corporate volunteering collage](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/corporate-volunteering-collage.jpg) ## Sending Sunshine Sending Sunshine is a unique program that positively impacts pediatric patients while providing volunteering opportunities outside of the hospital. Typically done by our corporate partners, programs include Activity Kits and Surgi Dolls. **Kits for Play** sends **activity kits **to pediatric patients play while they are facing medical challenges. These kits include developmentally appropriate materials that encourage children’s creativity and provide a sense of fun. **Surgi Dolls** are plain, body-shaped dolls that young patients decorate, personalize, and use as a means of comfort. Sewn by volunteers, these stuffed dolls are distributed in hospitals, where they may be used by medical staff to demonstrate what will happen during an upcoming procedure. By allowing children to claim ownership of their treatment, Surgi Dolls can decrease a patient’s anxiety, while also serving as surrogates and friends. ## Here to Play ### Our programs bring patients and community volunteers together in hospitals through creative arts activities and other opportunities for social interaction and learning. Volunteers act as companions, or as we say, ‘Sunshine Sidekicks,’ to superhero patients battling the isolation of the hospital setting. - ![wellness volunteer with cart](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/wellness-volunteer-with-cart.jpg) ### Arts and Crafts Delivery Our Arts and Crafts Delivery program offers patients the opportunity to express their creativity. Volunteers distribute Activity Kits to patients, and then lead a group crafting session while broadcasting live via the hospital’s closed circuit TV program.  Children can join in live, or if they’re on isolation, they can participate from the safety of their own room. - ![pre opt setup](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/pre-opt-setup.jpg) ### Pre-Op Arts and Crafts Our weekly arts and crafts programs bring comfort, creativity, and cheerfulness to patients prior to a medical procedure. Volunteers craft with patients as they wait to be called for their medical procedure, offering a warm distraction from the worry and anxiety a patient may have in the hospital. - ![teen programs dancing](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/teen-programs.jpg) ### Teen Programming Our Teen Program addresses the needs, concerns and sensitivities of teenaged patients with age-appropriate crafts, activities, and games. Working closely with the hospital’s Child and Youth Counsellors, this program offers the day patient an opportunity to engage in crafts and activities designed for self-esteem building, mindfulness and creativity. - ![caregiver wellness message](https://projectsunshine.ca/hubfs/Projectsunshine_September2022/images/caregiver-wellness-at-hospital.jpg) ### Caregiver Wellness Hospital units are transformed into soothing environments for caregivers through relaxation activities, crafting, healthy snacks, massage and self-care. Our programs allow caregivers the opportunity to talk with peers who are going through similar situations. By providing support to family members, the overall physical, social and emotional health of the hospitalized child often improves. ## Please join us and become a Project Sunshine volunteer [ Learn How to Volunteer ](https://projectsunshine.ca/volunteer?hsLang=en)