Looking Ahead
OUR 2029 GOALS
Starlight Canada’s long-term goals aim to transform the experience of childhood illness across Canada by providing distraction-based mental health support in two key areas: within hospitals and through ongoing outpatient care at home.
→ Reach 1,200,000+ program uses annually, ensuring consistent access to joy, distraction, and comfort nationwide
→ Reduce the number of hospitalized children experiencing significant anxiety or emotional distress by 25%, through increased access to play-based coping tools
→ Provide year-round emotional support to 2,500+ Starlight families (a 25% increase) in our outpatient programs, ensuring no child feels alone in their medical journey
→ Cut emotional distress and family isolation by one-third among families participating in our outpatient Wish Programs
OUTCOMES DEFINITION
These goals are grounded in both internal program metrics and external evidence on the emotional effects of illness and hospitalization on children and families. Each target will be evaluated using a mix of annual surveys, hospital reporting, and self-reported family impact assessments.
Measurement Framework
Program Usage (1,200,000+): Measured by cumulative hospital and outpatient program distribution logs, including in-hospital uses (e.g., Fun Centers, VR, Comfort Kits) and outpatient Wish program participation, with a baseline of around 1,000,000 program uses in 2024
Hospital-Based Emotional Distress Reduction (25%): Target based on published research showing that up to 80% of hospitalized children experience significant emotional distress due to unfamiliar settings, painful procedures, and isolation¹. Starlight’s play-based programs—such as Gaming Systems and Comfort Kits—are designed to reduce these stressors.
Internal survey data already shows 95% of hospital staff report improved patient behaviour, and 38% report reduced need for sedation when Starlight Gaming Systems are used
Ongoing progress will be tracked through annual surveys to hospital staff and Child Life teams, as well as analysis of sedation proxy data when available
Outpatient Family Reach (2,500+): Measured through internal registration tracking of Starlight families enrolled in outpatient Wish programs, with year-over-year comparison against the 2,000-family baseline in 2024
Reduction in Family Isolation & Distress (33%): Justified by 2024 survey results indicating:
92% of families say our programs support their child’s mental health2
90% say it supports the mental health of the entire family2
100% of Great Escapes participants report strengthened family connection3
This target will be monitored using annual impact surveys with repeat families to track changes over time, and by expanding post-program questionnaires assessing emotional outcomes4-7