Sunnyside Foundation

Online Donations

Online donations are the safest and easiest way to support the Sunnyside Foundation.

To donate online to the Sunnyside Foundation, click here.

The Sunnyside Foundation uses SimplyK to collect donations, the only platform for non-profits that gives us 100% of your donations. A contribution to support them will be suggested during confirmation, but it is not required to donate to the Sunnyside Foundation.

Tax receipts for online donations will be issued to you directly from SimplyK.

Other Donation Methods

If donating online is not for you, that is okay! There are plenty of ways for you to support the Sunnyside Foundation.

• Cheques:  cheques can be made out the “Sunnyside Foundation” and mailed to:

Sunnyside Foundation

247 Franklin Street North

Kitchener, ON  N2A 1Y5

• Cash: We strongly suggest that cash donations be delivered in person. To arrange, please call Jeff Burton at 519-893-8494 extension 6377.
• Credit Card: If you would like to make a donation with a credit card, online through SimplyK is the most secure way to do so. We can also process credit card donations over the phone if needed. Please call Jeff Burton at 519-893-8494 extension 6377.

Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.

When you make a donation to the Sunnyside Foundation, you get to choose which fund your donation supports.

General Fund

The General Fund is where most of the Sunnyside Foundation’s large purchases come from. This includes things like:

• Funding for The Butterfly Approach to Dementia Care
• Ceiling lifts and other large equipment
• Supportive technology
• New seating areas such as the new inter-generational space located in the old playground space

All donations that are not specified for a different fund will be put into the General Fund.

Community Alzheimer Program

If you select the Community Alzheimer Program, your donation will go towards supporting Sunnyside’s Community Alzheimer Programs in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. In the past, these donations have been used for:

• Physical upgrades to the program (such as assisting with the new program space in Cambridge)
• Furniture and other items to help create a more home-like environment
• Technology to assist with programming
• Staff training

Walk and Roll

Walk and Roll is the Sunnyside Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year. Held each June, Walk and Roll is a chance for the community to come together to support the older adults that are served by Sunnyside Seniors’ Services.

If you select Walk and Roll, your donation will go towards the fundraising total for that year. In 2021, Walk and Roll has raised over $38,000.00.

COVID-19 Support Fund

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on March 9 by the World Health Organization. Since that time, it has had a profound impact on the lives of people around the world including the older adults who live on the Sunnyside campus and the staff who support them.

Donations to the Sunnyside Foundation will help to support the purchase of items that support the health, safety and well-being of Sunnyside residents, tenants and staff such as:

• Personal protective equipment like masks, face shields, gowns, caps and gloves
• Technology that connects residents or tenants and their family or friends in the community
• Items to support residents and tenants to engage in activities that give them meaning and purpose

Chaplaincy Fund

Selecting the Chaplaincy Fund will ensure that your donation will go towards supporting the Sunnyside Chaplaincy program. This program consists of pastoral care services, palliative care, memorial services, and worship services.

Your generous donations support:

• Residents of Sunnyside Home long term care
• Tenants of Sunnyside Supportive Housing
• Older adults in the region who use the Sunnyside Wellness Centre
• Participants in Community Alzheimer Programs and the Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA)

Since 1998, we have raised over $3.0 million in support of projects and programs for older adults.

The Sunnyside Foundation is made up of a working board of volunteer directors approved by Regional Council:

Mark Radulescu, Chair
Solicitor, Giesbrecht, Griffin, Funk & Irvine LLP

Jessica Bevenborn, Vice Chair
Broker, KW Insurance Brokers

 
Spencer Yule, Secretary
Partner/Account Executive, LMI Insurance 
 

Brandon Florizone, Treasurer
Intermediate Actuarial Analyst, Economical Mutual Insurance  

 
Carol H. Schmidt

 
Merlin McRae
Law Clerk, Madorin Snyder LLP

 
Ian Inglis
Broker of Record, Remax Solid Gold

 
Lori Strauss
Professor, PSW Coordinator, Conestoga College

Adam Hunsberger
Associate, Madorin Snyder LLP

Steve Moores
Dispatch Coordinator, Paragon Security
First Aid and CPR Instructor, St. John Ambulance

• Adults in the community with a comfortable and barrier-free place to exercise at the Sunnyside Wellness Centre
• Much-needed equipment that allows residents to move with ease and comfort
• Recreation and music therapy programs and supplies
• Accessible courtyards and walkways
• Research and education that enhances quality care
• Occupational therapy and physiotherapy equipment
• Funding to support chaplaincy and palliative care programs

Through donations, Sunnyside Foundation has also made these major contributions:

• 2021: Supported the development of an inter-generational outdoor space for residents and their families to enjoy
• 2021: Purchased additional ceiling lifts for resident rooms
• 2020: Started funding Sunnyside’s  journey towards certification in The Butterfly Approach, a person-centred model of care for people living with a dementia.
• 2018: Supported the enhancement of the day program and overnight stay areas in the Kitchener Community Alzheimer Program
• 2017: Provided funding to train Seniors' Services staff in dementia care best practices
• 2015: Funded supplies and evaluation of the Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA)
• 2015: Funded specialized equipment including blanket and towel warmers and adjustable dining tables
• 2012: Funded Hush no Rush training program to improve the dining experience for long-term care residents with dementia
• 2011: Provided subsidies for older adults on a fixed income to receive fitness memberships and services at the Sunnyside Wellness Centre
• 2010: Built, equipped and furnished the Sunnyside Wellness Centre
• 2008: Purchased ceiling lifts for resident rooms
• 2007: Built accessible outdoor walkways and spaces
• 2006: Furnished rooms for convalescent care and respite care

And many more!

The Sunnyside Foundation hosts several fundraising events throughout the year. Proceeds from these events support programs and services that help older adults live their best life.

 If you have questions about our fundraisers, please email us.