Question 1

Where do the cards go?

Accepted Answer

Chapter Leaders are expected to deliver the cards to seniors in local care homes, retirement residences, or community organizations that support older adults.

Question 2

Can I start a Chapter anytime throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

No. We only accept new Chapter applications from May 1st-October 31st.

Question 3

Can I start a Chapter without it being associated with a school?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While many Chapters are school-based, you can also run a Chapter independently in your community.

Question 4

Can I start a Chapter outside of Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have many Sending Sunshine chapters that are located outside of Canada.

Question 5

Can I start a Chapter if there is already one in my province/state?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can create a Chapter for your specific community (town/city/school).

Question 6

What do I do if I am graduating and would like to pass the Chapter on to other students?

Accepted Answer

In this case, you can reach out to Chapter members who are not graduating, to see if any would have an interest in becoming the Chapter Leader once you graduate. You can also ask your guidance counsellor for assistance!

Frequently Asked Questions

General Card Writing

Why has the General Card Writing Program ended?

I work at a care facility in Canada. Will seniors still receive cards now that the PO Box is closed?

Is there a minimum size requirement for my cards?

Does my card have to be store bought?

What should the card contain?

Can I receive volunteer hours for writing a card?

Charity + Donations

Where can I confirm that Sending Sunshine is a registered charity?

What makes Sending Sunshine as a Charity different from a Not-For-Profit Corporation?

How can I donate to Sending Sunshine?

Where is my donation going and how does Sending Sunshine plan on using the donations to operate?

Will I receive a receipt for my charitable donation?

Will my name be on the receipt?

What happens if there is an issue with my receipt?

Will Sending Sunshine keep all receipts on file?

How long will it take me to receive my receipt for my charitable donation?

Once I have donated to Sending Sunshine, can I request for a return of my donation?

How can I claim my charitable tax credit?

Chapters

Where do the cards go?

Can I start a Chapter anytime throughout the year?

Can I start a Chapter without it being associated with a school?

Can I start a Chapter outside of Canada?

Can I start a Chapter if there is already one in my province/state?

What do I do if I am graduating and would like to pass the Chapter on to other students?

Senior Nomination Program

Can I nominate a senior who doesn't live in Canada?

Will I receive volunteer hours for writing a card through the Senior Nomination Program?

Can I nominate a senior who doesn't live in a care facility?

Pen Pal Program

Can I earn volunteer hours if I contribute to the Pen Pal Program?

Does I have to handwrite letters to my pen pal?

Is there a minimum length required for the letters?

How many letters will I need to write?

I want to write letters to multiple residents. Is that possible?

Can I send a small gift with my letter to a pen pal?

Will I receive a handwritten letter in return?