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.
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. In December 2023, we officially launched TelePlay en français providing TelePlay to our francophone community, with thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.