Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Sunshine has been created as a social enterprise under the JA Mini-Company Programme, with the aim of helping our team learn the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship while creating a meaningful social impact. Our focus has always been on building a responsible, transparent and well-structured business - not on maximising profit.

As the project gained visibility, we recognised that some questions were being raised due to misunderstandings of our business model, particularly around pre-orders, pricing and our relationship with charities. We view this feedback as an important part of our quality and learning process.

This FAQ page has been created to clearly explain how Dr Sunshine operates, how funds are used and how Comfort Kits are produced and distributed. We believe that openness builds trust, and we are committed to answering questions honestly and transparently as we continue learning and growing through this experience.

1. About Dr Sunshine (Who We Are)

What is Dr Sunshine?
Dr Sunshine is a social enterprise created by students as part of the JA Mini-Company Programme. We design and sell Comfort Kits for children in hospital, combining entrepreneurship with meaningful social impact.

Is Dr Sunshine a charity?
No. Dr Sunshine is not a charity.
We are a social enterprise, meaning we operate as a business with a clear social purpose. While we work closely with children’s charities to support distribution and product development, Dr Sunshine itself is not a charity. Our business plan clearly sets out how profits are distributed.

Why are people saying this looks like a charity model?
Because Dr Sunshine addresses a social need, it can sometimes be mistaken for a charity. However, unlike charities, all funds received are payments for products, not donations. Dr Sunshine generates income through sales while delivering social impact.

Who is behind Dr Sunshine?
Dr Sunshine is run by students from St Aloysius College and Junior College as part of the JA Mini-Company Programme, supported by a mentor and overseen under JA’s governance framework.

2. Our Social Enterprise Model (How We Work)

How does Dr Sunshine make money?
We generate revenue by selling Comfort Kits:
- directly to families, and
- through sponsored kits pre-purchased by schools and companies for children in hospital.

Do you accept donations?
No. We do not accept donations.
All funds received by Dr Sunshine are payments for Comfort Kits, either purchased directly or sponsored for distribution to children in hospital.

What exactly am I purchasing when I buy or sponsor a Comfort Kit?
You are purchasing a physical Comfort Kit that will be assembled and distributed to a child in hospital. Whether purchased for someone you know or sponsored for a child recommended by our partners, every transaction represents the sale of a tangible product - not a contribution, donation or pledge.

How are profits distributed?
Dr Sunshine operates as a social enterprise, and profits are distributed according to the business plan:
- 40% used at shareholders’ discretion (either reinvested or taken as dividends)
- 40% passed on to partner children’s charities
- 20% passed on to JA as required by the programme’s regulations
This structure ensures sustainability, transparency and social impact.

Are shareholders aware of how their funds are being used?
Yes. Shareholders invested with full visibility of the business model, timelines and profit distribution, all of which are detailed in the business plan and its presentation.

Will shareholders get their money back?
Yes. The financial plan includes provisions to recover shareholder capital by the end of the programme, alongside modest profit distribution, in line with JA Mini-Company guidelines.

3. Pricing, Pre-Orders & Delivery Timeline

Why are you pre-selling the Comfort Kits?
We are pre-selling in order to collect enough funds to place one large bulk order for all kit items. Buying in bulk allows us to secure significantly reduced prices, maintain quality and keep the final kit price affordable.

Why is there a gap between collecting funds and purchasing stock?
To secure bulk discounts and keep the kit affordable, funds must reach a defined threshold before orders can be placed. This approach is common in pre-order business models and is clearly communicated to customers in advance.

When will the Comfort Kits be delivered?
Delivery will begin once the bulk order is placed and received. Based on current projections, distribution is expected to start end of January / February, barring any unforeseen delays. All customers pre-purchasing kits are made aware of this timeline at the time of purchase.

Why does delivery take several weeks?
To sell the Comfort Kit at approximately €20, items must be purchased in bulk. Ordering smaller quantities would significantly increase costs and make the kits less accessible. Pre-selling allows us to achieve the best possible value.

Will you offer an alternative to pre-orders?
Yes. For customers who require immediate delivery, a limited number of kits will be available at a premium price of €35, reflecting retail purchasing costs.

What happens after the first batch of 160 kits is distributed?
The initial bulk purchase covers the first batch of 160 kits, as outlined in the business plan. If demand continues and sufficient funds are available, a second bulk order may be placed, ensuring ethical continuity between sales and delivery.

What happens if you sell more kits than you can deliver?
Dr Sunshine will never sell more kits than it can responsibly produce and distribute. Sales targets, ordering thresholds and delivery timelines are closely monitored to ensure ethical operation at all times.

4. Value, Quality & Sourcing

How can you sell the kits at such good value?
We source from multiple suppliers, negotiate bulk discounts, shop around for the best price-to-quality balance and avoid unnecessary costs. The sample kits were assembled at retail prices and still met budget targets - bulk purchasing improves this further.

Why did you choose to source items locally?
We source locally to reduce transport and logistics costs, physically inspect items for quality and safety and ensure consistency in what goes into each kit.

5. Payments, Transparency & Trust

Are you a scam?
No. Dr Sunshine is not a scam.
We are a registered JA Mini-Company with a formal business plan, clear financial projections, transparent pre-order thresholds and an external mentor who has agreed to act as a guarantor on behalf of shareholders and pre-purchasing clients.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. We offer a full money-back guarantee with no time limit. Any customer who has pre-purchased a Comfort Kit may request a refund at any point before distribution begins.

Do you accept payment by Revolut?
Yes. Revolut payments are currently accepted via the parent of one team member, as all team members are under the age of 18 and cannot legally hold third-party receiving accounts. All payments are recorded transparently in the company’s accounts.

Why are credit-card payments accepted through GoGetFunding?
Credit-card payments provide convenience for clients. Due to age restrictions and time constraints, our mentor has made his GoGetFunding account available for this project. All funds received are publicly visible, fully traceable and transferred to Dr Sunshine.

Will the GoGetFunding money be mixed with other funds?
No. Funds received via GoGetFunding are clearly identified and reconciled separately alongside cash payments, Revolut payments and bank transfers.

Who oversees Dr Sunshine’s operations and finances?
Dr Sunshine operates under the JA Mini-Company Programme, with oversight from a mentor and full financial reporting requirements. All income streams, expenses and transfers are documented.

6. Distribution & Impact

How will the Comfort Kits be distributed?
Distribution of sponsored kits is coordinated with charge nurses in the three paediatric wards at Mater Dei Hospital and with partner organisations working with children, ensuring fair and responsible distribution.

If I sponsor a kit, will I receive proof that it was delivered?
Yes. Sponsored kits are clearly recorded, and where appropriate, sponsors may receive confirmation once kits are distributed. The team is also exploring personalisation options to enhance accountability.

7. Contact & Further Information

Where can I ask further questions?
You are welcome to contact us directly via our website or social media channels. Transparency and trust are core values of Dr Sunshine.