Our story began with an idea … and continues with action
Holly has always loved celebrating birthdays, but she knows what it feels like when the guest list is small or when invitations don’t come. Instead of keeping that sadness to herself, Holly wanted to turn it into kindness for other kids who might feel the same way.
Together with her family, Holly created Birthday Sidekick – a youth-led project that sends birthday cards filled with cheerful messages to kids who could use an extra friend on their special day. They choose the cards, write inside them, and pack the envelopes, and together they send birthday cheer out into the world.
In every child’s story, they deserve to feel remembered and celebrated – especially on their birthday.
Meet Holly, the driving force behind the Birthday Sidekick story
I love birthdays! Cake, presents, balloons, everything! But sometimes not many kids come to my parties, and that makes me sad. I don’t want other kids to feel that way on their birthday. That’s why I started Birthday Sidekick – to send birthday cards and make kids feel happy and special.
Holly is 11 years old and loves birthdays, fishing, zipping around on her plasma car, and playing on her tablet. She has Down syndrome, which sometimes makes friendships and parties a little harder. But instead of focusing on that, Holly dreamt up Birthday Sidekick so kids everywhere can feel celebrated.
With help from her younger sister Abby, she picks fun cards, adds cheerful messages, and sends them to kids who could use a reminder that they’re special and not alone. The Birthday Sidekick story wouldn’t exist without her.
Not everyone wanted their photo online, so we used a mix of cartoons and a sunny stand-in to keep the bios fun and consistent.
Holly
A young change-maker on a mission to make birthdays more fun. She spreads kindness through cards, helping kids feel celebrated and remembered. Birthdays have always been her favourite.
Abby
Pitches in with energy and creativity, helping prepare cards and brighten birthdays everywhere. She loves axolotls, fishing trips, and bringing her ideas to life.
Joyce
Brings Holly’s ideas to life behind the scenes, keeping the project moving forward. She’s happiest playing games, exploring outdoors, and sharing time with family.
Sean
Supports Holly’s project by turning returnables into resources, and enjoys fishing and flying, and is always ready for a family adventure.
Tabitha
Sends out surprise cards signed by her children, Tristan and Noah. She loves going on family adventures, nature, reading, and crochet..
A glimpse at our impact so far
Behind every number is a smile, a laugh, or a memory made on someone’s special day. From volunteers to sponsors, it’s the people who bring Holly’s vision to life. Here’s a peek at how many happy birthdays we’ve celebrated together so far. And we’re just getting started.
2
Happy Birthdays
2
Sponsors
4
Volunteers