Shining a Light on 35 Years of Empowering Dreams: The Impact of Shine Foundation

Shining a Light on 35 Years of Empowering Dreams: The Impact of Shine Foundation

For the past 35 years, Shine Foundation has helped young people living with severe physical disabilities create a world of possibilities. Our goal is to build their independence and give them the confidence needed to fuel them through life’s challenges so they can achieve a future that shines brighter.

Shine is the only organization in Canada focused on providing individual, customized experiences sparked by the dreams of a young person with severe physical disabilities.

Our Shine Experiences help them think differently about their future, gain confidence, and see themselves differently as someone who can versus someone who can’t.

Dominic was struggling mentally and physically from the difficulties of living with cerebral palsy and being deaf. He shared that his main source of happiness comes from social activity. But for two years, the pandemic had taken that away, and Dominic began acting out his frustrations. His caregivers were concerned about him becoming depressed because he missed his friends and activities, which filled him with joy.

In February 2022, Shine delivered a series of monthly weekend stays for Dominic and his three best friends. It was then that Dominic’s inner light began to shine again. This gave him something positive to look forward to and even built his confidence, independence, and sign language skills.

“This experience has been such a joy for him, that will last a lifetime. You have brightened this young man's life.” — Karen, Dominic’s caregiver

Spencer lives with severe hearing loss and is driven to learn everything he can about space. He had “too many questions” that only an astronaut could answer. Shine coordinated for Spencer to receive a telescope, books about space, and an exclusive virtual one-on-one meeting with Col. Chris Hadfield to help Spencer understand more and further fuel his curiosity so that one day he might discover his own answers as a scientist.

“Spencer's eyes sparkled with excitement, and the joy on his face was priceless. It was a weekend filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments that we will cherish forever.” — Niki, Spencer’s Mom

Thomas comes from a very outdoorsy family. He has been living with a spinal cord injury that has limited his access to some of his favourite activities. Thomas would have to plan well in advance to rent an all-terrain handcycle so he could be on the trails with his family and friends.

Shine organized for Thomas to receive the life-changing gift of his very own cross-country handcycle, which is not only a way to get around but also a means to independence, freedom, and endless possibilities. He no longer misses out on any of the social adventures with family and friends.

“Thomas is just so happy when he is on his handcycle, and after when he returns. This has had a huge impact on his life and given him a new sense of independence.” — Rosemary, Thomas’s Mom

Learn more about how you can help create brighter futures at shinefoundation.ca

Coming this fall! Participate in Shine’s inaugural Come to Sleigh. You will be experiencing Canada’s beloved sport in a whole different light. Help us show young people across Canada living with a severe disability that they CAN dream by raising money to make them come true. Learn more at cometosleigh.ca