Founded by Anika Apollon, a single mother who experienced homelessness while pursuing a post-secondary education, Birthday Wonders is a charitable organization with a mission to create memorable birthday celebrations for children living in homeless shelters.
As a completely volunteer-run organization, with no administrative costs, 100% of every donation directly supports birthday celebrations for children living in homeless shelters.
Each birthday party includes food, decorations, cake, loot bags and gifts. Everything needed to throw a wonderful birthday party celebration!
On their birthdays, a time when most children get together with their friends and family to celebrate by eating cake and opening presents, children living in homeless shelters may not be experiencing the joy of celebrating their special day. We believe every child should be celebrated. Without these experiences, too many vulnerable children run the risk of believing they are not appreciated or worthy of being celebrated and could hold them back from pursuing their dreams and achieving stability.
In collaboration with shelter coordinators, the Birthday Wonders team identifies children having a birthday during their stay and hosts a party each month at each shelter. Our parties can be for one child or multiple children, depending on how many birthdays there are each month at each shelter. And best of all, EVERYONE at the family shelter is invited!
We organize meaningful birthday parties filled with joy, laughter, and love.
Every child receives thoughtful presents that bring smiles and hope.
Volunteers, donors, and supporters come together to show children that they matter.
Each celebration creates lasting moments of happiness that children carry forever.
Founded by Anika Apollon, a single mother who experienced homelessness while pursuing a post-secondary education, Birthday Wonders is a charitable organization with a mission to create memorable birthday celebrations for children living in homeless shelters. It is the only initiative of its kind in Ontario and as a 100% volunteer-run organization, with no administrative costs, 100% of every donation directly supports birthday celebrations for children living in homeless shelters.
Birthday Wonders currently partners with 7 homeless shelters within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and hopes to expand to more shelters across the GTA.
Whatever you are able to contribute, please know your generosity will make a world of difference for the children we support, and we are so grateful for your consideration and support.
Anika Apollon, Executive Director of Birthday Wonders
Founder & CEO
Director of Operations
Chief Medical Officer
Head of Education Programs
Director of Community Development
Board Chair
Founder & Executive Director
Board Director
Board Director
Board Director
Board Director
Board Director
Board Secretary