Thousands of seriously ill and hospitalized children rely on Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada each year to provide them with the emotional support needed to get through their medical challenges. For families who live with so much uncertainty, we’re proud to know that one of the reasons Starlight Canada can be their constant source of relief is due to the support of the Ardene Foundation.
Now in our 9th year of partnership, the Ardene Foundation is continuing to give back in more ways than one.
Over the holidays, Ardene collected donations both in store and online to benefit families with sick children across the country. Thanks to the dedication of Ardene’s staff and customers, our CEO, Brian Bringolf, along with Starry and Starrette, recently accepted an incredible donation of $456,721 from Ardene’s COO, Mark Devershian, and the Ardene Foundation! This amazing contribution will go towards supporting a variety of Starlight Canada’s much-needed programs, in and out of hospitals:
Starlight Comfort Kits™ – Teen Kit
Being admitted to the hospital is never easy no matter how old you are, and Ardene knows that sometimes teens could use a helping hand. Filled with emergency toiletries and activities, Ardene Foundation’s Teen Kits go a long way in helping hospitalized teens feel more comfortable during their hospital stay.
Play From Hospital Shipments
Many sick children sadly face isolation when in hospital. With these super-sized shipments filled with toys, crafts, games, and more, patients are given moments of much-needed fun during their hardest days. Last year, the Ardene Foundation sponsored an amazing 67 Play From Hospital Shipments that brought comfort to hundreds of hospitalized kids across the country!
Starlight Fun Center®
Equipped with a flat-screen television and a Nintendo Switch gaming system, the Starlight Fun Centre provides hospitalized children with hours of endless fun. Internet-ready, these units give kids much-needed downtime to stay in touch with friends, watch movies, and more.
Starlight Nintendo Switch Handheld
In 2022, Ardene staff donated their time to help pack and ship 54 Starlight Nintendo Switch Handhelds across the country. This year, these portable gaming devices, sponsored by the Ardene Foundation, will continue to help distract and ease the fears of patients. Pre-loaded with hours of entertainment, the Starlight Nintendo Switch Handheld helps create a more welcoming environment for all ages.
Starlight Room at Montreal Children’s Hospital
Sponsored by the Ardene Foundation, this multi-purpose play room creates a safe space for young patients at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and allows them to leave their fears behind, even for a moment. The Starlight Room is used to host one-on-one meetings and special activities, including Teddy Bear Stuffing!
Year of Wishes
Dreaming big can sometimes feel out of reach for children living with complicated medical conditions. Across the country, a select number of Starlight kids will get to live out experiences they never would have imagined, for the entire year! From local Day Brightener Wishes to epic Great Escapes® Wishes to even a special Once In A Lifetime Wish, the Ardene Foundation’s donation will create lasting memories that will be cherished forever.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Ardene and the Ardene Foundation, as well as their customers, for helping brighten the lives of families with seriously ill children from coast to coast. Your unwavering support and generosity is felt by all, today and every day.