Mission:
Shine Foundation changes the lives of young people living with severe physical disabilities, across Canada.
We serve youth aged 11-21, helping them build confidence, independence and optimism to boost their mental health and future goals.
Our vision is that every Shine Dreamer lives their Dream.
Shine's values: Employing integrity, compassion, and respect in everything we do, and having the courage and commitment to achieve our goals.
The Beginning of a Dream
Shine was established in 1987 by a London, Ontario father as a legacy to his son who passed away from muscular dystrophy. He wanted young people like his son to be able to live their dreams. In October of that year, the first DreamLift flew 203 youth from London to Walt Disney World® in Florida.
By 1990, Shine was truly national, fulfilling Shine experiences and DreamLifts for kids across Canada in BC, Alberta, Yukon, Ontario, New Brunswick and PEI. Volunteers from Ontario and British Columbia founded eight local Shine Chapters.
The DreamLift Adventure
DreamLift was a day of "Yes!" and a whirlwind adventure that took a plane full of Shine children and youth to a Disney theme park and back home in just one day! For many young people, a DreamLift was more than just fun. It’s was a day to experience the excitement and adventure of a first plane ride, a taste of independence away from family, and to be a regular kid in a magical setting. The final 64th DreamLift took flight in December 2019.
Spreading the Shine
In 1994, Shine trekked across the country on the “Sunshine Highway to Dreams.” The tour visited 33 communities and resulted in more new volunteer chapters. By December of 1994, Shine fulfilled 2,630 Dreams.
Shine Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday, June 21st, 1997, with a Walk for Dreams held simultaneously in 31 communities. By 2000, we officially became known as “Sunshine Dreams For Kids.” Celebrities ranging from hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky to Barney the Dinosaur were helping us fulfill Shine Dreams, and Sunshine DreamLifts were winging kids away for day-long adventures out of cities across the country, including Edmonton, Sault Ste. Marie and Halifax.
Shine Today
Headquartered in London, ON, Shine is a national charity with programs that help young people all across Canada. For over 38 years, Shine has changed the lives of close to 9,000 Shine Dreamers across Canada.
Bright Futures Ahead
Approximately 60,000 young people across Canada medically qualify for a Shine Dream. Many of them have endured more than we can ever comprehend. We continue to grow and to raise awareness of Shine in communities throughout the country. Our goal is to change a life EVERY DAY by 2030!
