Sending Sunshine Receives Grant From the Ottawa Community Foundation for Expansion in Ottawa

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - June 15, 2023 - PRLog -- Sending Sunshine, a growing initiative dedicated to improving the wellbeing of Canadian seniors, was among the recipients of a One-Year Community Grant last month from the Ottawa Community Foundation for an expansion project in Ottawa.

The Ottawa Community Foundation is a charity for charities. It leverages philanthropic resources to strengthen and empower the charitable sector in the National Capital Region and beyond.

As a volunteer-run registered charity, Sending Sunshine strives to diminish the effects of loneliness and social isolation among the elderly. Over 12,000 volunteers handwrite cards and letters in 3 languages, containing positive and reassuring messages. These are then sorted, and delivered to seniors in care facilities nationwide.

"We were delighted to learn of our selection for this grant", says Marissa Parker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sending Sunshine. "Thanks to the Robert and Sheila Whyte Fund, the Ann Diamond Fund, and the Foundation's support, we can launch an expansion project in Ottawa to bring our programs to more communities."

Parker explains that the programs at Sending Sunshine aim to encourage volunteers and students to work together to support the wellbeing of the elderly in the community. "Our programs create meaningful intergenerational connections that foster social engagement and connect volunteers of all ages and backgrounds with seniors."  Sending Sunshine serves over 650 senior facilities and organizations across Canada. It operates 100% through the work of unpaid volunteers to deliver programs at no cost to care facilities.

Parker says, "Local giving means better living for all of us. We thank the Ottawa Community Foundation, the Robert and Sheila Whyte Fund, and the Ann Diamond Fund for becoming 'Sending Sunshine Heroes' with their generous support."

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ABOUT- Sending Sunshine is a registered charity that seeks to reduce the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness among Canadian seniors. Cards and letters containing uplifting, handwritten messages are crafted by over 12,000 volunteers and ultimately delivered to senior care organizations nationwide. Sending Sunshine is a member of CanAge, N.I.C.E. (National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly), Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce, and a proud recipient of June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.  www.sendingsunshine.ca
Charity #73062 7478 RR0001