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:

Jaleel wearing black and white coat while seated on rock wall surrounded by snow in a a natural setting

Boy Band Changes Jalee’s Life

Whether you grew up listening to the hits of the Beach Boys, New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys or One Direction, swooning over the looks and the lyrics of a boy band is a common part of a teenage girls’ upbringing.

Tanisha leans against a fence post next to a meadow

Tanisha’s Experience Strengthens Her Family Support System

“It was hard for my parents (and siblings) to watch their daughter be in pain and go through things they couldn’t help with,” Tanisha describes.

Three pairs of shoes lined up next to each other

Confidence at her feet

We can all relate to the feeling of wearing a cool new pair of shoes. The right pair can feel like you’re floating above the ground (perhaps even doing the moonwalk)!

Lucas proudly sitting cross-legged in new saucer shaped swing

Lucas Swings Into Action

Ten-year-old Lucas is an active boy who loves biking and playing baseball with his friends. He doesn’t miss a single opportunity to try everything: “the faster, bigger or higher it is, the better!” he says.

Close up of Sarah smiling in a blue shirt and purple glasses

Shine Saved My Soul

When she was fourteen years old, Sarah Lashbrook’s life changed in an instant. A Christmas Eve visit to her aunt’s home in Sudbury just an hour’s car ride away turned into a nightmare when her parents’ car was hit head-on.

Daithi and family gather in their backyard in front of new playground equipment

Bringing the Park to His Own Backyard

Just like many kids, Daithi loves to play at the park. He longed to spend all day sliding down the slides, soaring high on the swings, and climbing around on the equipment.

Two young girls smile in yellow Sunshine t-shirts while waiting at their gate at the airport

The Impact of a Shine Experience on Mental Health

Many of the young people across Canada who are impacted by Shine's programs live with multiple diagnoses, some of which may fall under the umbrella of mental health. Anxiety and depression are common amongst Shine Dreamers.

Tai seated centre stage in wheelchair surrounded by a backdrop purple spotlights

Defying Gravity - Tai's Broadway Musical Debut

“Every Mom thinks their kid is talented and amazing. I know that I feel that way about mine.

Hannah sits on handcycle bike on path next to a rocky beach

Hannah's New Handcycle

For 18-year-old Hannah from Penticton, BC, a new bike is more than new equipment. It’s a means of independence, empowerment, and the ability to pay-it-forward. Hannah lives with spina bifida and is paraplegic from the waist down.

Close up of Austin Smeenk competing in customized racing chair

Austin's Achieves Paralympic Gold

Being born with spastic paraplegia, a hereditary disease that causes progressive stiffness and contraction in the lower limbs, didn't slow Austin down from his love of going fast, no matter what he was doing.

James smiling in a Sunshine Foundation cap seated on in a passenger plane

May the Course be with You

It was still dark outside when James and his family woke up in their Disney California hotel.

Taylor and her mother smile together in front of a wall of multi-coloured candy in NYC.

Taylor's Dream in Entertainment

Taylor was an Olympic gymnastics hopeful, on track to compete for Canada in the 2012 Summer Olympics. At the age of fourteen, she was injured in a training accident, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury which left her with quadriplegia