Volunteer Spotlight

Kevin McHarg

"Kevin is someone who gives a tremendous amount to his community and to Sunshine Foundation!" This is a common sentiment expressed about Kevin McHarg by members of our Sarnia-Lambton Chapter.

A long time volunteer for Sunshine, Kevin has done everything from organizing fundraising events to putting on the Sunshine Bear costume to presenting Dreams. He also actively promotes Sunshine throughout Sarnia and recruits his fellow firefighters to participate in almost all Sunshine events.

Like many Sunshine volunteers, Kevin has a big heart and there isn't anything he would not do to make a child's Dream come true. And like many Sunshine volunteers, he does his work without any want or desire for personal recognition. Kevin is also being recognized for his tremendous contribution to his community. He has been named to the Mayor's Honour Roll for his efforts in ensuring that all the victims of 9/11 have a proper burial.

On behalf of all the Sunshine Kids in Sarnia-Lambton, thank you Kevin for your dedication and commitment to changing lives. You have made -- and continue to make -- an incredible impact and difference in the lives of Sunshine Kids.

Yvonne Roffel

In addition to a busy schedule as Manager at a local Winners store, Yvonne Roffel leads a team of Edmonton-based volunteers who organize fundraising events and present once-in-a-lifetime Dreams to children in their community.

"I first heard about Sunshine Foundation through Winners, when it was announced that it had been named our charity," recalls Yvonne. She soon found herself heading up a team of new volunteers and passionate about fulfilling dreams for kids.

"It's not as simple as delivering a computer to a child, or giving them the chance to meet a star - it's so much bigger than that," Yvonne explains. "Every Dream we present to a child is such a moving experience, so unique and touching."

One in particular stands out: "We heard about an 18-year-old girl named Tanya needing a Dream and were told we had a short time because of her diagnosis. Within a week we had pulled the Dream together and met her at the West Edmonton Mall." Tanya's Dream was to meet rising country music star Adam Gregory. "We asked her who her favourite country star was and she said, 'Adam Gregory,' and then in walked Adam with his guitar." The two became fast friends, and Adam's support was an important part of Tanya's final months.

"What we were able to do for Tanya exemplified everything you would want to be able to do for someone in that situation," comments Yvonne. "Sunshine has brought so much more meaning into my life, so much more direction into the everyday things I do."

Sunshine couldn't make Dreams come true for kids without volunteers like Yvonne Roffel. Kudos to all our volunteers who help us make spread a little Sunshine.