Hayley’s Sunshine

Changing lives one smile at a time

Hayley’s Sunshine Wishes

We understand that the loss of a loved one can leave a child with a profound sense of emptiness and a need for comfort and hope. Hayley’s Sunshine aims to bring a spark of joy back into these children’s lives by granting personalized “wishes” designed to honor the memory of their loved one and foster healing. Hayley’s Sunshine Wishes centers on creating tangible experiences. We believe that grief is a journey, not a destination, and our wishes are designed to accompany children on that journey. 

For recipients of a Sunshine Box, as funds are available, we would like to offer experiences focused on remembrance and connection, healing and support or joy and distraction.  Here are some examples:

Visits to significant locations

Visits to significant locations

If the loved one had a special connection to a certain place (a sports stadium, a museum, a performance venue), the charity could fund a visit.

Attending events the loved one enjoyed:

Attending events the loved one enjoyed:

Tickets to a sporting event, concert, play, or other performance that the child and their loved one shared an interest in.
Creating a memorial garden or planting a tree

Creating a memorial garden or planting a tree

A lasting tribute in a place where the child can visit and reflect.
Therapeutic horseback riding

Therapeutic horseback riding

Animal-assisted therapy can be incredibly beneficial for grieving children.
Art or music therapy sessions

Art or music therapy sessions

Creative outlets can help children express their emotions and process their grief.
Participation in a grief support group or camp

Participation in a grief support group or camp

Connecting with other children who have experienced similar losses can be very validating.

Weekend retreat or workshop focused on grief and healing

A dedicated space for children to learn coping mechanisms and connect with others.
Tickets to a theme park, zoo, or aquarium

Tickets to a theme park, zoo, or aquarium

A fun and distracting experience to provide a break from grief.

Sports camp or other recreational activity

Sports camp or other recreational activity

Physical activity and social interaction can help process grief.
Offering Support to Those in Need

Offering Support to Those in Need

Hayley’s Sunshine works closely with families to understand the child’s unique needs and how they wish to remember and honor their loved one. We believe in the power of personalized support and strive to create wishes that are meaningful and contribute to the child’s healing process. Our goal is to offer a beacon of hope during a difficult time, reminding children that even in loss, love and beautiful memories endure.

Hayley’s Legacy

In the midst of our sorrow we want to share Hayley’s contagious smile and sunshine and make a difference in the lives of other children.