Donors help families get active through the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities

On the final evening of the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities’ House of Hockey summer 2025 program, one young participant handed out colourful friendships bracelets she had carefully made for the other kids in the program, the program leaders and the volunteers. Days later, a parent shared on social media how much the program had meant to her family and that she and her son are now playing ball hockey together. On that warm summer night, and in the days that followed, the community built around the Sun Life Centre was reminded of the powerful, lasting impact this life-changing program makes.

The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities operates as a non-profit research and outreach organization within Laurier’s Kinesiology and Physical Education Department. The program uses evidence-based sport for development programming to develop wellness resources and activities, fostering self-sustaining, vibrant and healthy communities.

"The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities believes in the power of healthy living to enhance and empower members of our community,” says Dr. Alanna Harman, associate professor at Laurier’s Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education and executive director of the Sun Life Centre. “We seek to be a change-maker in developing and providing inclusive evidence-based wellness programs, resources, and educational initiatives that positively impact the health and wellness of communities in which Laurier resides.”

Coming up on their tenth anniversary, the Sun Life Centre has been supported since day one by lead donor Sun Life. Other key donors to the Sun Life Centre include The Walker Wood Foundation, The PepsiCo Canada Foundation, Molson Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc, Pollock Family Foundation, Sifton Family Foundation, Apotex Inc., Alice (Brayley) Judges and Walter Judges Fund at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, KW Rowing Club, Ross Kerr and Strathfield Foundation.

“The Sun Life Centre is made possible due to generous donor support,” says Jason Coolman, vice-president, advancement and external relations at Laurier. “It’s programming and research is making such a tangible impact that it inspires tremendous trust and engagement by generous community members and organizations who believe in its vision and mission. They know that without their support, many children in our community would simply not have access to this vital programming.”

In 2024/25, more than 800 children and their families took part in hundreds of free, inclusive athletics, wellness and social activities right in their neighborhood and schools.

School-based programs include Body Break, which gives students struggling to focus a chance to recharge through their favourite physical activity alongside a program volunteer.

Or Movin’ & Groovin’, which pairs youth with developmental disabilities with volunteers who help them get active, build motor skills and make friends. Meanwhile, the Thriving Together program gives parents a chance to connect, access resources and focus on self-care while their kids are having fun.

“The guest speaker presentations, learning more about available resources, talking with experts and sharing ideas with parents,” shared one participant of Thriving Together. “Feeling included and accepted. I utilised the waiting time for my son to learn more tools how to help him and also how to help me ... super impressed that we had this opportunity to help and support each other in this safe environment.”

Some programs specifically support females, like, Girls in Action, which helps girls build skills, friendships and confidence in a safe space, and Active INTEGRATION, for new Canadian women to get active and make friends while providing free childcare.

“It was super fun!” shared one Girls in Action participant. “I really liked [the leader] because [they were] kind and fun,” shared another. A third shared that “I like all the different activities.”

Then there are the broader community programs, like Sports Galore, helping kids develop physical literacy and life skills through games; MLSE House of Hockey delivered by Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities, breaking down barriers to this beloved (but expensive) Canadian sport, especially for girls; Toyota STEM and Sport presented by the Sun Life Centre, which teaches kids about STEM topics through activities; and Tin Can Cricket and Play in the Park, offered at local Brantford Parks.

“I liked the opportunity to learn about my strengths,” shared one House of Hockey participant.

“I loved how all the people working on this program and their leader are so nice and respectful. They make a positive environment that makes my kids motivated to come and they don’t want to miss the sessions ... they explored a new sport and they learned new skills in playing hockey,” shared a parent.

Kids, and their parents, come back year after year, getting to know program leaders and volunteers and forming close bonds. While those kids grow, so does the Sun Life Centre’s programming. Sun Life Centre staff are always working to develop new programs to include and support even more individuals.

The Sun Life Centre is also conducts program evaluation and supports cutting-edge research; with a grant from the Sun Life Centre, Dr. Melody Morton Ninomiya and student Peace Agada with the Faculty of Health Science are undertaking a literature review titled “Exploring Indigenous Perspectives: A Call for Literature Review Submissions on Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation, Sport for Development, and Wellness.” Sun Life Centre staff also share their learning through conferences and presentations.

“We are tremendously grateful to Sun Life and all of our donors who support programming and research to help provide youth with opportunities they really couldn’t get anywhere else,” says Dr. Harman. “I wish everyone could see the expressions on these kids’ faces when they realize they can do something they never did before – when they make a new friend – when they know they are safe and cared for – it’s truly inspiring. Our donors are making a really big difference in their lives.”

"At Sun Life, we believe in the power of healthy, active living to transform lives and strengthen communities,” says Paul Joliat, Vice-President, Global Partnerships & Marketing Planning, Sun Life. “Our support of the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities at Wilfrid Laurier University embodies this commitment. For nearly a decade, we've witnessed firsthand how evidence-based programs can break barriers and empower people to live their healthiest lives. The centre is a testament to the positive change we can create when we invest in community wellness,” Joliat adds. We're proud to continue supporting this vital work that aligns so closely with our Purpose of helping Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives."

Watch the Sizzle Reel

Watch the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities Sizzle Reel and learn more about this incredible program.

Quick facts about the Sun Life Centre for Health Communities

• Communities served: Kitchener, Waterloo and Brantford
• Number of programs offered January 2024 – August 2025: 35
• Hours of programming offered January 2024 – August 2025: 693
• Number of locations of programs in 2024/25: Fall and Winter 8 – 10; Spring 4 – 5; Summer 3 – 4.
• Number of individuals served January 2024 – August 2025: 1,404
• Year the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities was founded: 2016
• Number of individuals served since program started: 8,500+
• Number of student leadership opportunities offered since program started: 1,000+
• Total dollars raised since program started: $1,924,735