This program was launched in 1999 by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and was named the Care Renewal program in 2003. As the organization coordinating the Care Renewal program since 2003, VON Canada has worked with The McConnell Foundation and 13 organizations across the country that have received funding under the program. VON Canada's role is to support the projects and share the knowledge about respite that is emerging from the program's activities.
Thirteen projects within the Care Renewal program have explored the meaning of respite for caregivers, and tested new ways to help caregivers experience respite.