At Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, we understand that hospitalization can be one of the most difficult experiences a child and their family will ever endure. That’s why our in-hospital programs are crafted to create moments of happiness when they are needed most, providing children with a break from the fear and anxiety they experience. After all, hospitalized kids deserve to be just that – a kid. Our partnerships with over 100 children’s hospitals across Canada are at the heart of this mission, allowing us to touch countless lives. We’ll let some of our healthcare partners tell you how:

Recently, we heard more from Sue and Alexandra, two dedicated Child Life Specialists at Scarborough Health Network – Centenary Hospital, who shared just how profoundly our programs impact their young patients!

Sue and Alexandra have seen firsthand the transformative power of Starlight Canada. They shared, “Starlight’s programs provide hospitalized children with an opportunity for distraction, normalization, and a break from scary and stressful things!”

For many of these children, the hospital environment can be overwhelming, filled with unfamiliar sights and sounds. Our variety of programs, like our toy-filled Treasure Chests that bring a smile with each surprise, help ease anxiety and restore a sense of normalcy for children and their families.

“The Treasure Chest program is amazing, and we are so lucky to have this for our patients,” Sue and Alexandra said. “We use it to provide positive reinforcement and incentives for difficult and painful procedures. The opportunity to pick something special from the Treasure Chest often provides children with something to look forward to after a procedure and puts a smile on their face. Families are so grateful when they hear about our amazing support and partnership from Starlight, and they see firsthand the benefits of these programs through their children.”

They continued to share the magic of our Starlight Handheld, a portable gaming device designed to bring entertainment to hospitalized kids! In a place where fear and pain are all too familiar, the Starlight Handheld becomes a beacon of light.

“From the moment we mention the words ‘Nintendo Switch,’ the child’s face lights up and instant rapport is built, and their fears and feelings around being in the hospital completely change. The smile on their face when we walk into the room with the Starlight Handheld or the Fun Center can be felt a mile away! Our patients will play on the Switch, and their pain and anxiety disappear for the time being.”

At Starlight Canada, we believe in the healing power of joy, and it’s testimonials like these that fuel our passion to continue expanding the reach of our in-hospital programs. But we can’t do it alone.

We need your help to help the next hospitalized child in your community.

Visit our Hospital Wish List platform today to select your hospital of choice. Then, pick the gift you want to give. Whether it’s adding a new Starlight Handheld to a pediatric ward or replenishing a Treasure Chest with toys that bring smiles after difficult procedures, you have the power to know exactly where your donation is going.

We’re deeply grateful to Sue, Alex, and all the hospital staff who work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to children in need. With your help, we’re making a difference, one smile at a time!