Shine On: Rebrand Reveal Event | September 14th

We are thrilled to announce the most exciting event of the year - Shine On: Rebrand Reveal! Mark your calendars for September 14th as we unveil our new name, fresh look, and vibrant colors.

We want to celebrate this journey with you knowing your ongoing support has helped us reach 43 years of transformational impact for families and this transformative moment as an organization. The evening promises to be a memorable one, filled with a silent auction,

soul-stirring music, inspiring presentations, a captivating spoken word performance, and delectable gourmet cuisine. As a token of our gratitude, limited edition memorabilia will be available.

The event is held at The Baron, a charming Calgary venue, perfect for the occasion. Save the date and join us in our transformative moment where we shine brighter than ever before!

Graduating Class of 2023

We are beaming with pride and joy for the children at the Sonshine Children's Centre who are graduating and embarking on a new chapter in their lives - starting kindergarten!

It is with immense gratitude that we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated supporters who have made this journey possible. Your unwavering support has allowed us to provide these young individuals with the nurturing environment they needed to grow and flourish. Through trauma-informed care and high adult-child ratios, we have been able to lay a strong foundation for their future success. As they leave Sonshine, we are confident that they are equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience to take on whatever adventures lie ahead.

Thank you for being an integral part of their journey and for helping us guide them to become the very best versions of themselves. Your support has made all the difference, and we are excited to witness the bright futures that await these remarkable children.

Staff Highlight: Stella Ehi Egege

In this exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Stella, a dedicated staff member at the Sonshine Children’s Centre in Calgary. Stella is incredibly passionate about her work and shares her insights into the valuable contributions the Children’s Centre makes in the lives of children and families. 

"It isn’t about the wages but the smiles, and laughter we share with each child and their families every day, as well as the tears, struggles, and challenges we share together daily. We are family-centered, and we believe in relationship-based programs.”  



Stella’s enthusiasm for her role shines through as she highlights her favorite aspects of working at the Sonshine Children’s Centre and emphasizes the privilege of positively influencing each child’s early development and experiences, providing them with hope and positivity. Stella cherishes the sense of belonging that the Children’s Centre creates, where the staff and families form a close-knit family, united by a shared purpose. 

The Limitations of Couples Counselling in Addressing Abuse

Couples counselling is often seen as a potential solution for couples facing difficulties in their relationship. It can be an effective tool for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening bonds. However, it is crucial to recognize that couples counselling is not a suitable intervention for cases involving abuse. When abuse is present in a relationship, the focus should shift from couples counselling to ensuring the safety and well-being of the survivor. 

Sonshine's Sizzlin' Stampede Spread

July 10th was a delightful morning filled with warmth, camaraderie, and the delicious aroma of freshly prepared breakfast as Sonshine’s Sizzlin Stampede Spread came to life! We set out to serve a hearty breakfast to nearly 200 residents and members of the community in a display of care and compassion. That’s almost triple the number we served last year! None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support of the First Alliance Church volunteers and the generous coffee donation from Pearl at Tim Hortons.

The annual Sonshine Sizzlin Stampede Spread has become a beloved tradition in our community. It goes beyond simply providing a free breakfast to those in need; it symbolizes unity and the power of coming together to support one another. The event attracts both locals and visitors, all eager to share in the heartfelt connection and companionship that such gatherings inspire.

Birdies For Kids

Don't forget about Birdies! The Birdies for Kids program, in partnership with the Shaw Charity Classic, is quickly approaching its deadline. From now until August 31st, every dollar you donate will be generously matched by Shaw (up to 50%).

Your support will directly benefit Sonshine's Children's Centre programming, which includes vital healing activities and facilities like sensory rooms, play therapy, sand therapy, and counselling.

Together, we can empower children to reach their fullest potential and provide them with the support they deserve. Select "Sonshine Community Services" from the list of charities.

More Ways to Support Sonshine

SkipTheDepot

Have your recycling picked up from your home and donate to Sonshine at the same time with SkipTheDepot.

TruEarth

Shop eco-friendly goods from Vancouver's TruEarth and 20% from your order will be donated directly to Sonshine.

Sisters' Story Coffee

Stock up on organic, Fairtrade coffee from farms exclusively owned and operated by Indigenous women in Peru.