Sunshine Community Report 2017

2017COMMUNITY REPORT

“Even in the future, the story beginswith Once Upon A Time.”– Marissa Meyer

Our Mission ABOUT USThe Sunshine Foundation of Canada is a national With your supportcharitable organization that makes dreams come and dedication totrue for children living with severe physical dreaming big with us,disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. the idea that beganOur Vision is that every Sunshine child shall live in 1987 has growntheir dream. into the powerfulSunshine was established in 1987 by a London, dream-makingOntario police officer and loving father as organizationa legacy to his son who passed away from that it is today,muscular dystrophy. He wanted children like his impacting Canadianson to be able to live their dreams. communities fromThirty years later, we celebrate the thousands coast to coast.of young lives transformed by the tremendousimpact of having a cherished dream come true.These dreams have ignited new possibilities,optimism, independence, and confidence inchildren helping them break barriers and write abrighter future story for themselves.

FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT & CEO2017: You Helped Jordan Rebuild His DreamJordan is a bright athletic teen who every one of you who thought “this and hearing his story. Jordan, filled withloves hockey more than life itself. So child’s dream needs to come true, and new hope and determination, vowedwhen Jordan had a stroke and his I’m going to make it happen.” to make a full recovery. And today, he’sdoctors said he’d never play again, he back on the ice, doing what he loves.believed that his true passion was over. Only with your support are we able to make these dreams come true. You did thatJust think about that for a minute. Your simple acts of kindness andYou’re 19 years old, and you’ve been This year alone your gifts gave us the generosity gave Jordan back histold you’re never going to do the thing power to grant 50 dreams to some dream.you love again. incredible kids. You also helped us fly Thank you for supporting thirty years 79 kids from Hamilton, Ontario to Walt of dream making. With your continuedBut here’s where it gets better: Disney World Resorts®, Orlando for help, 2018 will be just as amazing.Jordan’s dream was to meet a famous Sunshine DreamLift Brantford 2017.hockey player. Not just any hockey That’s 79 kids who came home with The Honourable Ed Holderplayer, he wanted to meet Kris LeTang. inspiration to persevere, find strength, National Board President grow, and realize their potential.Why? Because LeTang (who plays Nancy Sutherlanddefence for the Pittsburgh Penguins) You play a huge part in helping Chief Executive Officerhad suffered from a stroke as well. Sunshine dreamers across CanadaIt happened when he was 26. But unleash the power of imagination and For Jordan and so manyhe’d battled his way back, eventually hope. And every gift – of time, talent or others, you makebecoming a three-time Stanley Cup treasure – allows us to do more. a real difference.Champion. Thank you so much. Thank you.Jordan wanted to know how he did it. A happy ending for JordanYour support means kids And Jordan? Well, with your help, hecan keep dreaming was able to meet his hero.Kids like Jordan are the reason we getup in the morning. He’s also the reason Kris was incredibly generous with hiswe are so grateful to every one of you time. He told Jordan exactly what it– every volunteer, every donor, every took to get back in the game and wasbusiness partner. We are grateful for inspired himself upon meeting Jordan

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Total Revenue $2,777,994 million Investment in Dream Programs $1,308,704 million Administrative Expenses $412,911 Fundraising Expenses (includes Gaming Expenses) $1,023,299 millionHow Funds Were Raised Investment in Dream Programs 2.1% 01.91%% 303%0% Foundation Grants InCteormesmt unity and SunsShuinsehine Volunteer Events DreaDmreLaifmt Lift 3.91%.7%Planned Giving Endowment Income 6.1% 1.4% FPoluanndnaetdioGnivGinragnts6.46%.1%IndEivniddouwalmGeivnitnIgncome0.1% 67.9% 707%0% Bus6ine5ss.1an%dInterest SunSshuinnsehDinreeaDmresams CoBmumsinuensitsyaGnrdoups 9.66.%5% Community GroupsSCiogmInnamdtiuuvrindeituayanldGiftsEventsTo view the audited financial statements, please visit www.sunshine.ca

“Promise me you’ll alwaysremember that you’re braverthan you believe, strongerthan you seem, and smarterthan you think.”– Christopher Robin to Winnie-the-Pooh

SUNSHINE DREAM PROGRAMSThe Impact of aSunshine DreamFor a child with a severe physical disability or life-threatening illness, a Sunshine Dream is alaunching pad to a better, more hopeful future. It ignites imagination, builds confidence, andcreates a powerful ‘Yes I Can’ with a lasting impact for the child, their family and their caringcommunity.Right now, more than 63,000 Canadian children could qualifyfor a Sunshine Dream. Let’s help them look past barriers,unleash new possibilities and write a brighter future story.Sunshine Dreams Sunshine DreamLiftA Sunshine Dream is an individual A Sunshine DreamLift is a day of “Yes!”experience, dreamed by a child and brought and a whirlwind adventure that transports ato life by our dedicated team of dream plane full of Sunshine children to a Disneymakers. These experiences are as unique theme park and back home all in one day!as the kids who dream them and can Sunshine DreamLift is an unforgettableinclude family members in the customized experience with new friends, a first planeadventure. From meeting a hero to having ride, and a taste of independence awayan elephant in your backyard, we encourage from parents.kids to dream big and dream bold! Sunshine has coordinated 62 SunshineSince 1987, Sunshine has fulfilled more DreamLifts to date, with the 62nd takingthan 8,500 dreams experiences for children off from the Brantford, ON regionacross Canada. on May 2nd, 2017.

“To be able to take down barriers CANADAand allow a child to be a child, USAregardless of what their abilitiesare gives them such courage,such confidence.”– Sarah Beauchamp, CNIB

SUNSHINE DREAM PROGRAMSSunshine DreamLift BrantfordIn 1987, The Sunshine Foundation of Canada Referral partners from McMaster Children’shad a bold dream: to transport a plane Hospital, KidsAbility, Lansdowne Children’sfilled with medically complex children on a Centre, CNIB, and The Ear and Hearing Clinicwhirlwind trip to a Disney theme park and with Julianne Shantz had recommended theback home – all in one day! The logistics were trusted Sunshine organization to these families,daunting, the resources significant, and the and a skilled team of medical professionals,responsibility huge, but the results for all healthcare workers, specialized supportinvolved were life-transforming. volunteers and emergency service personnel accompanied the journey, encouraging eachNow, thirty years later, Sunshine’s nationally child to lead their own day.acclaimed DreamLift Program continuesto empower children and youth living with Whether it was cotton candy for breakfast,severe physical disabilities or life-threatening ten trips on Splash Mountain or taking chargeillnesses. These one-day shared Disney of one’s own spending money, the Sunshineadventures build confidence and unleash DreamLift provided an unparalleled daydreams for a brighter future. of ‘firsts’ and ‘yes-es’ to ignite newfound confidence, independence and personalWhile DreamLift planning and excitement potential. For children and their families, thebegins months in advance, hopes and dreams Sunshine DreamLift has a lasting impact, oftentruly take flight when the plane leaves the remembered and celebrated as “the best daytarmac. And so it was in the pre-dawn of their lives.”hours of May 2, 2017 when 79 childrenfrom Brantford, Hamilton and Waterloo Special thanks to Sunshine’s long-timeregion departed John C. Munro Hamilton volunteer champions from the Orange CountyInternational Airport for Walt Disney World Sheriff’s Office, DEA and the Federal AirResorts®, Orlando, Florida. Marshall’s Service as well as the “Dream Team” of local businesses, communitySunshine DreamLift Brantford sponsors partners, and donors.Speed Fastening Systems Inc., Conestoga College Pre-Service Firefighters, Conestoga College Police Foundations program, BestWestern Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre, Fat Panda Studios, and the staff at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

Kiera Meeting her idol opens her world to travelSixteen-year-old Kiera isn’t about to let anything attending a luau, and exploring the island. “Kiera wants to help others bystand in her way. For Kiera, it was more than she even dreamed it starting her own accessible travel could be. organization for people with“She’s constantly proving people wrong,” says different abilities.”Michelle, Kiera’s mom. “When she was little the “I got to meet someone who inspires me,” saysdoctors told her she would never speak, she Kiera, who arrived at their meeting armed with a – Michelle, Kiera’s Momwould never walk, she probably wouldn’t crawl. notebook of questions to ask. “It made me a lotShe did everything in her own time and I think she stronger to think about how brave she was andlearned early on that if she works hard she can how she overcame things.”overcome any challenges she has.” Now Kiera wants to help others by starting herDespite all the challenges she has already faced own accessible travel organization for peopleliving with cerebral palsy, she keeps looking with different abilities. Knowing that it can beforward to a bright future filled with possibilities. more difficult to travel because of accessibility challenges, she wants people to know it’s“We didn’t know what her challenges would be. possible, in spite of modified needs.We had to learn with her as she grew, learn whatshe could do, and find ways to help her adapt to “Sometimes my life is difficult but I work throughher surroundings so she could do whatever she it,” says Kiera, who has since visited Florida,wanted to do. There are so many challenges and Prince Edward Island and Ontario, and has a tripthey range from big to small.” to Spain coming up. “I can’t be on my feet for a long time but anything that other people can do,After hearing about Sunshine Dream Programs, I can do, too. I just do it in a different way. I wishKiera spent years trying to decide on her perfect people would look at my walker and not see thedream. Finally, she asked Sunshine to help her disability, but the ability. Everything is not easy butmeet her idol, a celebrity athlete and author of her it’s possible.”favourite spiritual books. Kiera felt a connectionto her and wanted to learn how she overcame The whole experience changed Kiera’s life in manyadversity. ways, says Michelle.Sunshine sent Kiera, Michelle and her stepfather “Her dream coming true [had] an impact that willfrom their home in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, last a lifetime,” Michelle says. “When she cameto Hawaii for a trip of a lifetime that included a back, her eyes were opened to [the possibilitiesmeeting with her idol, as well as family kayaking, of] travel.

Hayden Magic on the sea for dreamer’s family SUNSHINE DREAM PROGRAMSWhen ten-year-old Hayden and his family set sail For Hayden, meeting his idol, Mickey Mouse, wason a magical Disney Cruise last February, many everything he dreamed it would be. Seeing the joy “We had one rule while on vacation:dreams were about to come true. Although it on his face is something Vicky says she will never There are no rules! We lived by thatwas Hayden’s Sunshine Dream of sleeping on a forget. and had the best time of our lives.”big ship and meeting Captain Mickey Mouse thatprompted the trip, the time they spent together “Hayden wouldn’t let Mickey out of his sight or – Vicky, Hayden’s Momwas a cherished experience for the whole family. let go of his hand,” she says of when they met Captain Mickey. “He never smiles in pictures but IHayden, from Guelph, Ontario, lives with cerebral was able to get true smiles out of him that day.”palsy and spends most of his time in a wheelchair,his days often filled with doctors’ appointments Now Hayden has incredible memories to lookand physical therapy visits. A curious boy, Hayden back on for years to come. Not only did he get hisalways likes to know how things work. He was dream trip, he was also a special guest at a Guelphalso fascinated by boats and was excited to learn Storm hockey game, where Sunshine presentedall about cruise ships and looked forward to him with his Sunshine Dream. A big fan of thespending time cruising on the open water. team, Hayden was told he would be dropping the puck, but was surprised when Sunshine Bear andHayden’s mom, Vicky, says Hayden’s Sunshine Sunshine staff arrived to share the news that hisDream came at a time when their family needed dream was coming true.it most. Soon after they found out his dream wasapproved, Vicky was diagnosed with late-stage “He had been over-the-top excited ever since thecancer and told she would have just three to five big reveal,” says Vicky. “On the cruise, he was veryyears to live. proud to let everyone he saw know that he was on his dream trip. Even back at school and at the“The cancer had caused us all so much stress that respite house he visits once a month, he has notwe were drifting apart,” she says, describing the stopped talking about his trip.”difficulty the family of four experienced followingthe diagnosis. “We had one rule while on vacation: “My Sunshine Dream made me feel special,” saysThere are no rules! We lived by that and had the Hayden. “It’s important for kids to have dreamsbest time of our lives. No one worried about time, come true. Sunshine is the best at making dreamsmoney or activities. We spent our days together as come true!”a family. This trip reminded us what we mean toeach other.”

SUNSHINE DREAM Joel Brave Adventures in Disney PROGRAMS When Trisha first opened the letter telling Trisha. “He required 24-hour care, so we had“Joel is now much braver doing things her that her son Joel’s Sunshine Dream was nursing staff come in. It’s a crazy dynamic inout of his comfort zone.” going to come true, she cried. your life but you figure it out. I tried to make his life as normal as possible.”– Trisha, Joel’s Mom “I was so happy to be able to take him somewhere he’s always wanted to go and to At the age of eight, following numerous not have to worry about anything or where surgeries, Joel’s tubes were removed, the money was going to come from,” she making it possible for him to breathe and says of their trip to Disneyland Resort®, eat on his own, and to experience new where Joel wanted to visit Cars Land and adventures, including his Sunshine Dream. meet Darth Vader. “It was beyond amazing. Sunshine wanted to make it the best it could “It was amazing!” said Joel, grinning from be for him.” ear to ear. After visiting Cars Land to meet his heroes Lightning McQueen and Tow Imagine having more than twenty invasive Mater, he fought the Sith Lord from Star surgeries before your eighth birthday. Or, Wars with a light sabre. calling a hospital room “home” until you’re nine months old. Imagine countless trips “Joel is now much braver doing things to specialists and weeks-long stays in the out of his comfort zone,” Trisha reflects. hospital following painful procedures. “He likes watching movies more – even scary ones – because Disney helped him For the first seven and a half years of his life, distinguish between story-telling and reality. that was Joel’s reality. Born three months He’s stretching his imagination, and he’s now premature, he weighed less than two drawing many of the stories he invents. His pounds and suffered from bronchopulmonary trip also gave him a lot more to talk about dysplasia, a serious lung condition that with his friends.” required a ventilator to breathe. Surgeries to insert the breathing tube caused scarring to Joel, now nine, continues to share his stories his windpipe, requiring the assistance of a about Disney with his classmates and says tracheal tube in his neck for breathing support he can’t wait to go back someday. and gastric tube for nourishment. “My dream trip made me happier and braver. “It was parenting, but also becoming a It was amazing. It changed my life forever.” nurse to one patient from the get-go,” says

VOLUNTEERS“Nothing is as strong as People with Big Hearts! Communitiesthe heart of a volunteer.” Coming Together Making it possible for us to support and they are kind-hearted individuals– Jimmy Doolittle children near and far, Sunshine who brave the hot sun or the cold Community fundraisers of all types volunteers from coast to coast put wind at outdoor events throughout raise vital funds to support Sunshine their hearts into engaging communities the year. Our volunteers donate their Dreams. These fundraisers are and bringing people together to make time, their talent, and their treasure unique to the caring individuals who dreams come true. to help make Sunshine Dreams come organize them. Whether it be a private true for children across the country. We gathering with friends and family, The members of Sunshine’s national are grateful to our extended Sunshine or an event that reaches across the volunteer network are passionate and family. community, all are propelled by caring dedicated to supporting our mission. volunteers dedicated to making a Sunshine volunteers participate in a Who are our volunteers? difference in the lives of children. variety of roles from assisting home office staff to becoming Sunshine Bear Sunshine volunteers come from all Highlighted below are just some of at events; from organizing community walks of life, bringing enthusiasm, the community fundraisers supporting fundraisers to speaking on behalf of dedication and heart to their role. To all Sunshine across Canada throughout Sunshine at dream presentations. our dedicated and spirited volunteers, the year. Sunshine volunteers are experts in thank you for helping make Sunshine their field, providing medical support Dreams possible. • Sunshine Crop for Kids – St John’s, NFLD to children on Sunshine DreamLift, • Amanda Marascio Circle of Hope Golf Tournament - Alliston, ON • Orchard Park Christmas Gift Wrap - Kelowna, BC • Super Hero Biker Event - Vaughan, ON • Maple Ridge Garden Tour - Maple Ridge, BC • TJXC Central Region Swing Fore Dreams Golf Tournament - Burlington, ON • John Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, Ham/ Turkey Raffles - London, ON • MoparFest - New Hamburg, ON • Catan 4 Kidz - Toronto, ON • Tractor Tugs for Tots - Guelph, ON • Londoners Dream for Sunshine (Sunshine Golf Classic) - London, ON Interested in hosting your own fundraiser? Contact us today: [email protected]

Family Honours Beloved DaughterWhen the unthinkable happened, the brother Joe, Ralph decided the best way toMarascio family turned tragedy into honour Amanda’s memory was to turn herhope, raising thousands of dollars for passing into something dedicated to what sheSunshine dreamers. loved most – helping others, especially kids.In early 2003 Ralph Marascio was an ordinary Since 2005 the Amanda Marascio Circle ofman. He worked hard, loved the Toronto Maple Hope (AMCOH) has held events in Amanda’sLeafs, and had his hands full with a young name to help other families facing childhoodfamily. illness. In some years it’s been a dinner-and- dance gala, while more recently it’s been aBut then the unthinkable happened. His bright, much-anticipated golf tournament.bubbly thirteen-year-old daughter Amanda wasdiagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Ewing’s is Since 2013 Amanda’s friends and family havean aggressive form of cancer that usually – and supported Sunshine with these events, andheartbreakingly – develops during the teenage we couldn’t be prouder to be part of Amanda’syears. Circle of Hope. So far these amazing people have raised more than $85,000 to helpThe next sixteen months passed for Ralph and Sunshine families make life a little brighter forhis family in a blur of surgery, rehabilitation, their own beloved kids.chemotherapy, and more rehab. Sadly, despiteincredible courage and strength, Amanda lost Thank you Ralph, Joe, Terry and every one ofher battle with cancer in July of 2004. Amanda’s friends and family members – you’ve kept this wonderful young lady’s spirit alive,Ralph and Amanda’s mom Terry were and helped dozens of Sunshine families alongdevastated, as were the rest of Amanda’s the way.friends and family. But somehow they hadto go on. So, with the help of Terry and his Now that’s what we call a circle of hope!

EVENTSOn June 17th, Sunshine’s one-of-a-kind team- from the County of Brant Fire Department,based fundraising adventure, the 2nd Annual City of Brantford Fire Department, OPPSunshine Float for Dreams launched from Auxiliary, County of Brant EMS, and St.the edge of the Grand River near Brantford, John Ambulance.Ontario. In two years, Sunshine Float for DreamsEncountering team challenges along their has seen over 650 participants androute, fundraisers spent the day soaking volunteers and has raised over $175,000up the sun, building relationships with to help make dreams come true.co-workers and spending quality time withfamily and friends. Teams “battled it out” in The success of the day and the fun thatthe on-water challenges, competing to win was had by all was made possible by thethe Team Challenge Award, and showcasing outstanding support of all of the hardtheir enthusiasm and spirit for the chance to working volunteers, generous donors andwin the Team Spirit Award. dedicated sponsors.As a true community event, in its second Join us for boatloads of fun on Saturday,year, Sunshine Float for Dreams empowered June 23rd at the 3rd Annual Sunshine Floatalmost 300 individuals to come together as for Dreams.a community to raise almost $90,000 in anengaging and exciting way. Volunteers from Visit www.floatfordreams.ca for moreacross the region lent support to the day, information and to register your team!including vital emergency service volunteersSunshine Float for Dreams Sponsors 2017Fanshawe College Television Broadcasting Program

EVENTSSunshine Alumnus Pays it ForwardThe mega garage sale Nathan and to explore his neighbourhood on his living with severe physical disabilities our privilege to work alongside Nathanhis family organize annually ensures own bike, just like his friends. To or life-threatening illnesses experience to help spark Nathan’s Garage Salesmore Sunshine dreams will come make his dream come true, Nathan their unique dream come true. Three from coast to coast. Nathan’s megatrue. Nathan’s Garage Sale has grown needed a custom-built adaptive years since his first sale, Nathan has garage sale is a family and communityfrom a single location at Nathan’s tandem bicycle and a new shed to raised over $7,000 for Sunshine and effort and a garage sale must-attendBrantford home to businesses, store the oversized frame. When he is already at work planning for his 4th this Summer.neighbourhoods, and schools taking was sixteen-years-old, Nathan and Annual Nathan’s Garage Sale set forup Nathan’s challenge to host their his parents learned about Sunshine’s Summer 2018. Join the Nathan’s Garage Sale familyown fundraiser. What started as a Dream Program. Nathan’s application and plan your garage sale today.young teenager’s passion to pay was approved and his adaptive Nathan’s story continues to inspire Contact us at [email protected] his appreciation for his dream tandem bicycle was customized. As individuals and business leaders tocome true is growing into a garage he hoped, his dream provided him say ‘yes’ to organizing their own localsale community in support of young independence and freedom beyond sale to help make more Sunshinedreamers like Nathan. anything he could have imagined. dreams like Nathan’s comes true. Our heartfelt thank you to Nathan andAs a teenager living with cerebral Nathan’s determination to continue to his family for their passion to givepalsy, Nathan dreamed of being able ‘pay-it-forward’ is helping kids like him back and their generosity of spirit. It is

Thank you to our BUSINESS SUPPORTERSBusiness Supporters Rays of SunshineSunshine dreams are made possible Campaign, collecting used tires during Thank you for your kindnessby the dedication, creativity and the OARA Tire Take Back program,generosity of many businesses, shredding paper at the BMO Shred-a- BMO Bank of Montreal branches incommunity groups and individuals. thon, teeing off at the TJXC Central Kelowna and West Kelowna hostedTaking part in employee giving Region Swing Fore Dreams Golf their annual BMO Shred-a- Thonprograms, providing event Tournament, or floating down the with Iron Mountain. Vehicles linedsponsorships, delivering in-kind Grand River are just a few examples up to shred their documents for adonations of product or services, of the fun and unique ways workplace donation to Sunshine and helpedhosting fundraising events, and groups have joined together to make raise $8,500. And as a charity ofparticipating in Sunshine events are a difference. In August, TJX Canada choice for the BMO Okanagansome of the ways that workplaces Associates and customers shone Marathon, runners and walkerscome together to make a positive ever so bright raising hundreds of raised more than $6,000 for Sunshineimpact on the lives of Sunshine thousands during the Spread A Little Dreams. BMO and the Runningdreamers. Sunshine campaign at WINNERS and Room have helped raise more than HomeSense stores. $355,000 to date to make dreamsBalpex members zip-lining over come true.Niagara Falls, a ping pong tournament It is our privilege to share three ofsupporting Sofina Dream Builders’ these stories. M&T Printing Group is Sunshine’s official printer providing advanced technology, state of the art equipment and exceptional service for mailings, stationary and event signage. M&T is a valued supporter throughout the year. Cooper Standard Automotive (Mitchell) hosts their annual golf tournament in support of Sunshine Dreams. The 2017 ‘day of fun’ tournament raised an incredible $21,000 to make dreams come true. End of the Roll store locations across Canada have been Sunshine supporters for more than a decade. In 2017 store and employee donations totalled $30,000. End of the Roll’s donations over the years exceed $650,000.

TJX Canada AssociatesSunshine Breaks Guinness World RecordCreating the Largest Human Image of a the longest day of “sunshine” of the year – and Sunshine and TJX Canada were officially recognizedSun Communicates Possibility a celebration of the Canadian division’s long- as Guinness World Record holders late in 2017.We are so proud to announce The Sunshine time support of Sunshine. The effort to breakFoundation of Canada and national dream partner the Guinness World Record is symbolic of our In the spirit of a true partnership, TJX CanadaTJX Canada are “Officially Amazing”, according to mission to help children living with severe physical supports Sunshine in so many ways. The monththe world’s authority on record breaking. disabilities break through barriers, dream big, and long in-store Spread a Little Sunshine Campaign, believe in a brighter future. the Central Region Swing Fore Dreams GolfIt was a sea of yellow and orange t-shirts as 769 Tournament, themed spirit days, volunteerTJX Canada Associates poured into the parking lot The 90-minute event culminated with Sunshine involvement, corporate donations, and more.of the TJX home office building in Mississauga, alumnus Nathan and his mother Lynn being the TJX Canada and thousands of Associates haveOntario accepting Sunshine’s record attempt last two to take their positions within one of the positively impacted the lives of thousands ofchallenge. Joined by Sunshine Alum and staff sun’s rays. Everyone held their position for the Sunshine children and their families. Their passion,members, the crowd formed the “Largest Human five minutes required by Guinness World Records, commitment and enthusiasm continue to exceedImage of a Sun”. The day was June 21, 2017 – then celebrated by throwing their hats into the air. our greatest hope, each and every year.

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS Thank you, Sofina Foods! The 4,700 employees of Sofina Foods have raised selfless giving to a new level, helping dozens of Sunshine families along the way.Balpex and Sunshine Four years ago Sofina Foods launched The Dream Builders’A Dream Partnership Campaign, an employee giving campaign providing staff a chance to help local kids and their families.In 2014, Balpex Inc. was looking for distributors of cleaning and “We were completely overwhelmed of the number of people who’ve tolda charity to support that was not hygiene, industrial and food by the response,” says Umeeda me the [Dream Builders’] Campaignonly committed to a worthy cause, service packaging products, Balpex Madhany, who heads up Sofina’s is part of what makes them proudbut one that was also reflective holds an annual conference for charitable giving arm. “Our first to work for this company, saysof their organization. When they its members. For three years, the campaign exceeded its goal by more Umeeda.”discovered Sunshine, they knew it conference featured a silent auction than $20,000, and since then it’s justwas the perfect fit. with proceeds going to Sunshine. exploded. I’m 100% confident we’ll Every dollar raised by Sofina’s In 2017, they took their fundraising break the $1 million mark this year.” employees is matched by Sofina“It jumped off the page that to the next level – ziplining over Foods Inc. The company isSunshine looked and felt like Niagara Falls. So how do 4,700 employees in passionate about helping familiesBalpex,” says Giselle Chartrand, locations across Canada raise this and supports a number of child-President of Balpex. “Our Thanks to the entrepreneurial and kind of money? You name it! Raffles, focused charities.organization is all about supporting giving spirit of Balpex members, ping pong tournaments, tricycleentrepreneurs in realizing their Balpex has now raised a total of races, silent auctions, baklava bake In the past two years they’veown dreams. We hope to support $53,399 in support of Sunshine. sales, knit-a-thons – these and more become a huge part of Sunshine,Sunshine for a long time to come.” We are truly grateful to Balpex for events (coordinated by a small army and we’re thrilled to rally these big- becoming part of the Sunshine of volunteer leaders) bring everyone hearted people to help ensure moreA Canadian member-based community and look forward to the together in a spirit of giving. dreams can come true.organization of independent future! “It’s all good fun, and everyone is so Thank you, Sofina Foods! happy to contribute – I’ve lost count

DONORSPOTLIGHTBig-hearted VolunteersMany a tall tale starts with three guys walking into a bar. But thisone is 100% true, with a positive outcome to honour a friend.One day in late 1990 Dal Keam, Jim “But it turned out John had been Self-confessed drinking buddies and long-time Sunshine volunteers LarryO’Neill and Larry Ducharme walked quietly doing charity work all over Ducharme (L) and Jim O’Neill (R) share a pint as they recall their long years ofinto a bar. London for years,” says Larry. In that supporting Sunshine kids. We are so grateful for their caring leadership! moment, the gang decided theyThe three had met years before at should do something to honour their Sunshine dreams could never come true without the caringLondon’s Ridout Tavern, and were lost comrade, and the John Scott service of volunteers like Larry, Jim, Dal and the restlooking forward to a cold beer and Memorial Golf Tournament was born. of the old “Ridout Tavern regulars.” Thank you all –some witty banter with the crowd you’ve made magic happen for almost thirty years!of regulars who’d become their fast First golf tournament raises $10Kfriends. In 1995, Dal took the lead, and within generous Londoners support true without the caring service of months he’d organized a hugely The Sunshine Foundation of Canada volunteers like Dal, Jim, Larry andInstead they heard sobering news. successful golf tournament. They with hundreds of thousands of dollars. the rest of the old Ridout TavernOne of their gang, John Scott, had chose Sunshine to receive their funds regulars. Thank you all for yourdied suddenly of a heart attack the as a further way to honour John’s Thank you, service and support – you’ve madenight before. “He’d worked a Lions memory. Ridout Tavern regulars! magic happen for almost thirtyClub event until about 1 a.m.,” says Sunshine dreams could never come years.Larry, “and then he was gone.” “We couldn’t believe how great it felt to hand over that first cheque forInspired by lost friend’s $10,000,” remembers Jim. “It inspired“secret” charity work us to organize more events – becauseAs the group discussed this news, a everybody wanted to say yes oncenew picture of their friend emerged. they heard we were helping kids.”They’d known he was Lion, andthat he’d lost a young daughter to Since then, the John Scott Memorialhydrocephalus a short time ago. events have included country musicSomeone heard his family had been dance nights, ham and turkey raffles,involved with a new organization and the signature golf tournament.called Sunshine. Over the years they’ve helped

THANK YOUThank You! Board of DirectorsThe Sunshine Foundation of Canada is governed by a volunteer-based, national Board of Directors comprised ofhighly regarded representatives from health care, finance and community/public service, who meet regularly toestablish our strategic direction and monitor financial matters.Officers Directors A special thank you to past Board members who servedChirag Shah, CPA, CA, MBA Philip A. De Souza, BA in the 2017 year:- Board President Senior Specialist, CommunicationsManaging Partner, & Partnership, HIROC The Honourable Ed HolderPricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, - Past Board PresidentSouthwestern Ontario Faith Folk, MSM Senior Specialist, BMO Bank of Stephanie RossSteve Sauve, CPA, CA Montreal- Treasurer David DoigSenior Tax Manager, KPMG Catherine Parsons-Dhamija, MBA Monique Kack-NorthIan Shewan, BA, LL.B Partner, Deloitte Canada, Human- Board Secretary Capital Counseling Rajiv ReebyePartner, Lerners LLP Lucia Pinheiro, MBA President & Country Manager, Damco Canada Ann Stubbins, BScN Marketing and Business Strategy Manager, Trudell Medical Marketing Ltd. Jennifer Yao, MD, FRCPC Clinical Associate Professor, UBC, Head, UBC Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, GF Strong Rehabilitation Center

SPONSORSAND DONORS Heartfelt gratitude to our business and community group supporters.For a full list of Sunshine’s caring family of supporters, visit Sunshine.ca. Provincial Nevada Break Open Tickets Program Stratford Suitcase Party Contributions of $20,000+

Business and Community Group SupportersWe would like to recognize the following corporations, foundations, associations, community events and endowments whose cumulative contributionshave reached or exceeded $5,000 between September 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018. We are profoundly grateful for your support and kindness.Amanda Marascio Circle of Hope Golf Tournament Ontario Tire Stewardship Legacy GiftsAmes Family Foundation Optimist Club of New HamburgBDO Canada LLP Oshawa Family Convenience Bill White Memorial Dream Endowment FundBell Canada President’s Hockey Tournament Provincial Nevada Break Open Tickets Program County Heritage / Stevenson Hunt Endowment FundBen and Hilda Katz Charitable Foundation Reciprocal Opportunties Inc. Mio/Manz Sunshine Endowment Fund BMO Okanagan Marathon Rival Office Solutions Golf TournamentBMO Shred-a-Thon Riverside Brass & Aluminum Foundry Limited Special thank you to our service partners in CanadaBrantford Professional Firefighters Association Rockland Variety and the U.S. who help make Sunshine Dreams comeCarr’s Delivery Service Inc. Sebringville Firefighters true: Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Airport Personnel,Catan 4 Kidz SHY Aviation and our Health Care referral partners.Coffee Dome Donut Speed Fastening Golf TournamentConestoga College Police Foundations Program St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary SchoolConestoga College Pre-Service Firefighters Program Stephen Smith & Dorothy Woltz FoundationEdmonton Oilers Community Foundation Student Federation of the Agricultural College - TractorGoodlife Fitness Tugs for TotsGrant Thornton LLP Sunshine Crop For Kids Organizing CommitteeHenslow-Brown Foundation The Cadillac Fairview Corporation LimitedIgloo The ExpositorJohn Scott Memorial Fund The Mitchell & Kathryn Baran Family FoundationLedco Leg Waxing Event The Running RoomLiUNA Local 1089 Golf Tournament The Sifton Family FoundationLondon City Chrysler The Sook Ching FoundationLucan Biddulph Recreation Committee The Village General StoreLutheran Social Services (London) Unifor Local 200 Social Justice FundM&T Printing Group Unifor Local 444Macs 699 Venture III IndustriesMacs-Beckers 61575Macs-Beckers 65066Macs-Beckers 66039Maple Ridge Garden ClubMoparfest Contributions of $5,000+

Get In TouchJoin us in helping makea child’s dream come true.Contact usToll-free: 1-800-461-7935Email: [email protected]