Burnaby, BC – November 13, 2024 – Smilezone Foundation is excited to announce the grand opening of two new Smilezones at Burnaby Hospital in British Columbia. This marks a significant milestone in Smilezone’s mission to create safe, fun, and accessible spaces for children receiving medical care. The new Smilezones at Burnaby Hospital bring the Foundation’s total to over 450 zones across Canada.
Generously donated by Smilezone Foundation, the White Family, the Thomson Family, the Alberts Family, and ITS Staffing Solutions, the Smilezone spaces have transformed two areas in the pediatric wing, designed specifically to bring joy and comfort to young patients and their families. Each Smilezone is thoughtfully designed to include vibrant colours, interactive technology, and uplifting artwork to provide a welcoming and stress-free environment for children facing medical challenges.
“We are incredibly proud to continue celebrating Smilezone openings in British Columbia, expanding our presence from coast to coast,” said Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder Scott Bachly. “With two new Smilezones at Burnaby Hospital, we continue to grow and bring smiles to children across Canada. Our mission to create comforting, joyful spaces for young patients now reaches British Columbia, thanks to the generosity of the White Family, Thomson Family, Alberts Family and ITS Staffing Solutions. We look forward to continuing our expansion and positively impacting more communities nationwide.”
“Burnaby Hospital’s Smilezones will help transform our campus of care into a welcoming space for our young patients. By creating an atmosphere of vibrancy and positivity, we hope to make them feel at home, easing fears and supporting recovery during their hospital journey. We are grateful for this partnership and the generous donors who are helping to create a brighter future at Burnaby Hospital.” – Kristy James, President and CEO, Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
These new Smilezones will serve thousands of children each year, helping to ease the hospital experience and provide moments of joy during difficult times. From interactive play areas to customized artwork, the Smilezones were designed with children’s physical and emotional needs in mind.
“As a long-time supporter of Smilezone Foundation, I am honoured to help bring their incredible work to British Columbia for the first time,” said donor representative Tim White. “It’s truly rewarding to know that the two new Smilezones at Burnaby Hospital will brighten the lives of so many children and families. Together with the Thomson Family, Alberts Family and ITS Staffing Solutions, we believe in the power of a positive environment to make a difference, and we’re proud to play a role in Smilezone’s expansion and its continued impact across Canada.”
The Smilezone Foundation looks forward to continuing its mission of spreading smiles across Canada, one hospital at a time.
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.
ABOUT BURNABY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Burnaby Hospital opened its doors in 1952, hosting 125 patient beds and proudly holding the title of the largest suburban general hospital in Canada at the time. In 1982, the hospital took a pioneering step in the Lower Mainland by establishing Burnaby Hospital Foundation with an aim to strengthen fundraising endeavours. This pivotal move was designed to bridge the gap between governmental assistance and the evolving needs of our growing community. For over four decades, the Foundation’s unwavering mission has been to ensure Burnaby Hospital remains equipped to promote the health and well-being of all generations, ready to serve you, your friends, and loved ones when you need it most.
For more information:
Micki Benedetti
Smilezone Foundation Danielle Sleiman, VP Development, Burnaby Hospital Foundation
P: 905-466-2575 P: 778 865 9952
benedetti.micki@gmail.com E: danielle.sleiman@bhfoundation.ca
To download a PDF version of this press release please click the link: Smilezone- Burnaby Hospital Press Release FINAL
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