Oakville, ON – (November 12, 2024) –Smilezone Foundation is thrilled to announce the grand opening of five new Smilezones in BC Children’s Hospital Healthy Minds Centre and family lounge. This transformative project marks Smilezone Foundation’s first-ever build in British Columbia, bringing their mission to create comforting, engaging, and child-friendly spaces to the West Coast.
The five Smilezones, generously donated by the Smilezone Foundation Board of Directors, feature vibrant murals, sensory development equipment, interactive whiteboards, and colourful seating. Designed to uplift the spirits of children and families while they undergo treatment, these new spaces foster a supportive, welcoming environment where children can feel safe, inspired, and relaxed.
“We are incredibly proud to bring Smilezones to British Columbia for the first time, starting with BC Children’s Hospital,” said Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder, Scott Bachly. “Our goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of children by creating positive, welcoming spaces where they can focus on healing and feel a sense of comfort. It’s an honour to partner with such a prestigious hospital and know that these Smilezones will bring joy and smiles to so many families.”
“Every year, our Board Members come together to collectively donate and select a Smilezone project to sponsor,” according to Smilezone Foundation Chair Brian Richardson. “This year, with our focus on national expansion and mental health following the challenges of COVID-19, we chose BC Children’s Hospital for our first-ever Smilezone project in British Columbia’s youth mental health program. We are incredibly proud to contribute to this important initiative, enhancing care spaces for children and families in need.”
Since its inception in 2012, Smilezone has built over 400 zones across Canada in hospitals, treatment centers, and other care facilities, each designed to provide children and their families with a positive distraction from the stress of medical procedures. With this being Smilezone’s first-ever project in British Columbia, the foundation is excited to bring its vision of child-friendly care spaces to one of Canada’s premier pediatric healthcare institutions.
This partnership between BC Children’s Hospital and the Smilezone Foundation represents a shared commitment to improving the overall well-being of children by providing a brighter, more welcoming healthcare environment.
ABOUT SMILEZONE FOUNDATION:
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity in Oakville, Ontario committed to improving the lives of children receiving medical treatment at health facilities across Canada. In 2012 founders Adam Graves and Scott Bachly were approached to make a financial contribution to the construction of a local hospital. Through partnerships with hospitals, community centers, and other organizations, Smilezone creates accessible, fun, and therapeutic environments where children can heal and thrive. Smilezone has transformed 400 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting over 83 communities and reaching more than 340,000 children annually. For more information, visit www.smilezone.com.
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For more information:
Micki Benedetti
Smilezone Foundation
P: 905-466-2575
benedetti.micki@gmail.com
To download the PDF version please click the link: Smilezone – BC Children’s Hospital Press Release FINAL
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