In 2020, Marissa Parker, BIB/21, co-founded Sending Sunshine, a registered charity that sends handwritten cards to seniors in care facilities.
Marissa began the initiative with four friends during the pandemic, when many Canadian were isolated in care facilities due to lockdowns. The organization aims to provide companionship to seniors through handwritten cards.
Since 2020, Sending Sunshine has delivered over 177,000 cards to over 650 care facilities. They have volunteer card writers in 24 countries, including over 17,000 student volunteers. Another service they provide is connecting pen pals—and have successfully matched over 150 pen pals.
In 2022, the Ontario Government recognized Sending Sunshine with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.
"We've heard from a lot of our contacts within the facilities how cherished these cards really are. One person told us she has several seniors who take the cards, put them on their bedside tables and read them every single day. It just shows how impactful one card can be to a senior."
Watch Marissa's video to learn about the impact she is making through Sending Sunshine and why giving back to the community is important.