Shine Dreams

A Shine Dream

Sparked by the imagination of a young person living with severe physical disabilities, a Shine Dream helps young people aged 11 – 21 think differently about their future, imagine new possibilities, and develop a sense of purpose that can last a lifetime.

Examples of Dreams include, but are not limited to:

Adaptive equipment that allows more inclusive play with friends
Bedroom makeovers that foster independence
Support animals for companionship and independence
Graphic design equipment that set Dreamers up for future school and career success

Our program helps them gain confidence and see themself differently as someone who can vs. someone who can’t. We help lay the foundation to change the trajectory of their life.

Read life-changing Shine stories below:

Shay's dad with Ciaran, his puppy Llew, and a Shine staff member

Ciaran's Service Dog

Seventeen-year-old Ciaran has a twin brother named Shay. Both boys live with cerebral palsy, but “Ciaran has had a tougher journey,” his mom explains. The first days of his life were nearly his last.

Shay's Racing Chair

Shay is an athlete, through and through. “Since day one, Shay has been a gritty kid, he’s a fighter, and makes no excuses. He’d fall and get right back up,” his mom shares.

Liza's four sons, back: Rowan and Declan, front seated Shay and Ciaran

Shine Mom Story from Liza

I’m Liza, the mom to incredible twins with disabilities, Shay and Ciaran, and two other equally incredible boys, Rowan and Declan. I can’t forget to mention my supportive husband, Cris, and our two dogs Ollie and Llew who make our family whole.

Hailey's Dream for Accessible Transportation

The summer after Grade 6, I was hiking with my brother, cousin, and uncle in Kananaskis Country when I slipped on a wet rock and fell 40 feet down a waterfall, crashing against jagged rocks before being dragged downstream by the c

Young woman with curly hair looks at camera while standing behind the glass at a PWHL game, holding a cheer sign

Toronto, Teams, and Triumph: Paige's Ultimate Sports Dream

For Paige, life moves at a different pace. She explains that managing three diverse conditions: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and ADHD is a lot on her. She faces physical and speech challenges that add more time and effort to her everyday activities.

Girl with purple walker stands in a bookstore in front of Shine branded table set up

Ayesha: Author and Advocate

At just thirteen years old, Ayesha is already making her mark as an author and advocate. Born with cerebral palsy, Ayesha has never let challenges define her.

Kingsley watches the World Juniors Game from his wheelchair surrounded by fans in red

Kingsley's Unmatched World Juniors Adventure

For fourteen-year-old Kingsley, hockey has always been more than just a game. It’s where he feels most like himself, part of a team, and connected to others.

Young woman in power wheelchair near zoo habitat with an open-mouthed hippo

Ayla's Zoo Dream Draws a Bright Future

“I’ve always loved art, like it’s integral to my being. I need to make art to live,” - Ayla.

Ty in his all-terrain rig outside on his family farm with fall leaves, a tree, and fence

Ty's Farming Rig Reaches New Grounds

Ty’s heart and soul is his family’s ranch, with a dream of taking it over from his parents one day. For the first sixteen years of his life, Ty was free to roam the ranch.

Young boy standing in excitement wearing an orange shirt behind a telescope

Spencer Meets his Star, Astronaut Chris Hadfield

Some young teens like pop music, some like cars, but for twelve-year-old Spencer, he is enthralled by space! The great universe surrounding us keeps Spencer wanting stellar answers to his interstellar questions.

Faith Pedals to Greater Mobility

Fourteen-year-old Faith is a happy, bubbly, outgoing young person with quite a contagious laugh. She loves being active and is always looking for new ways to stay fit and connect with her family.

On Trax to More Freedom - Cassandra's Dream

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra lives with a spinal cord injury as a result of a life-changing trauma that happened only three years ago.