The annual Sun Christmas Fund officially launched on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Toronto's iconic Variety Village, with a powerful theme guiding this year's campaign: 'the gift of possibility.' The event was highlighted by the inspiring presence of nine-year-old Stella Leblanc-Beaudoin, a young girl who personifies this message through her daily life.
Be Brave, Be Proud: Stella's Mantra
Stella, who has Down syndrome, has faced numerous challenges from a young age, including open-heart surgery. Her mother, University of Toronto scientist Christina Guzzo, shared Stella's simple but profound formula for overcoming fear. "Be brave. Be proud," is the mantra Stella recites when she feels nervous.
This bravery was on full display during a recent hospital visit to Sick Kids. As she was being prepared for surgery to remove her adenoid glands and nasal tissue to ease her breathing—a common procedure for children with Down syndrome—Stella confidently announced, "I'm checking in for the night. Excited to be here. Room service!" Her cheerful demeanor even caused the anesthesiologist to question if she had already been sedated.
Scaling New Heights at Variety Village
Stella's connection to Variety Village began after a frightening incident at a family cottage, where she fell face-first into shallow water and was unable to lift herself. Her parents, Christina and paramedic Tommy Leblanc-Beaudoin, immediately enrolled her in swim lessons at the facility.
It was there that staff noticed her natural affinity for the water and suggested she join the synchronized swim team. Today, Stella is a provincial medallist in adaptive synchro and is currently practicing a duet for the annual Christmas show. Her initial fear of the starting dive is conquered each time by repeating her personal motto: "I have to be brave."
While her six-year-old brother Leo attends taekwondo classes, Stella works with a reading tutor, tackling another challenge common for children with Down syndrome. Her current favourite book is a customized story titled Stella the Superhero, a gift from her grandparents that features a character who looks just like her. "I feel like I'm in this book," Stella says.
The Gift of Possibility in Action
Her mother, Christina, reflects on the profound impact Variety Village has had on their family. "Everyone at Variety Village has faith in her," she said. "This place recognizes and gives us glimpses into her potential."
This sentiment is echoed by Stella's younger brother, Leo, who wishes for his sister to have an easier path. "I want my sister to be able to do everything. Everything! I wish she could run so, so fast and jump so, so high. I just want it to be easier for her," he shared.
The Sun Christmas Fund campaign is now officially underway, with the goal of supporting Toronto's unique sports centre dedicated to children of all abilities. The initial donor list has already raised $16,523, with contributions ranging from $20 to $3,000.
Readers who wish to contribute to the fund and help unlock possibilities for children like Stella can do so by visiting sunchristmasfund.ca.
