Transforming Hospital Experiences: Humber River Health and Smilezone Foundation Unveil 400th Smilezone Space
May 16, 2024 TORONTO – Humber River Health and Smilezone Foundation made having to spend time at the hospital easier with the unveiling of bright, comforting and engaging Smilezone spaces where kids can forget about their treatment, and have fun by immersing themselves in activities. The new Smilezones spaces in the Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatient Clinic, mark a significant milestone with the creation of the 400th Smilezone space.
Generously donated by Smilezone Foundation with support from longtime donor, The Slaight Family Foundation these bright, fun Smilezones help improve the experience for children and families when they visit the hospital. Featuring themed murals, fresh paint, interactive technology such iPads and a sensory gaming table, and more. This renovation was done over three days in October. Having transformed hospitals across Canada, the Smilezone team understands patient care must continue without disruption to patients and hospital staff.
“Today, as we celebrate the opening of our new Smilezones, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a comforting, family-friendly environment,” shared Dr. Zaki Ahmed, Chief of staff at Humber River Health. “At Humber River Health, our goal has always been to ensure that our young patients and their families feel supported and at ease during their time with us, and I thank the Slaight Family Foundation and the Smilezone Foundation for their generous support.”
“The Humber River Health Foundation is unwaveringly committed to supporting this spirit of innovation and is grateful for partners like the Slaight Family Foundation and Smilezone who make this transformative work possible,” said Sandra Sualim, President and CEO of the Humber River Health Foundation. “Your collaboration has brought to life this beautiful space for our young patients and their families.”
Smilezone Foundation’s vision is to help improve the lives of children receiving medical treatment at health facilities across Canada by creating fun and engaging Smilezones in existing healthcare spaces that harness the uplifting power of a smile for kids and their families. Uplifting and comforting spaces can calm nerves, decrease fear and anxiety, encourage, and strengthen, and provide opportunities for more meaningful social interaction.
“This is a proud moment for Smilezone Foundation, made possible by the longstanding support of donors like the Slaight Family Foundation,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Co-Founder. “Celebrating our 400th installation today at Humber River Health is incredibly meaningful. Since our foundation’s inception, our focus has been to bring smiles to the faces of children and their families. We’re honoured to be the only charity in Canada solely dedicated to transforming physical healthcare environments for the betterment of children and families receiving medical treatment.”
“We know that spending time in a hospital can be stressful for children and their families,” said Gary Slaight, Slaight Family Foundation. “Providing joyful, comforting, and interactive spaces for children receiving treatment makes their hospital experiences easier – Smilezone Foundation is dedicated to creating these positive, healing spaces. The Slaight Family Foundation is proud to be a longtime supporter of Smilezone Foundation, and we congratulate them on their 400th installation at Humber River Health.”
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 HUMBER RIVER HEALTH
Humber River Health is North America’s first digital hospital and home to over 4,000 employees, 700 physicians and 500 volunteers. We serve a community of 850,000 residents in North West Toronto across three sites, and we have built a reputation as a trusted and innovative health services provider. Our focus on patient- and family-centred care sets us apart, demonstrated by our achievement as the first Canadian hospital with a digital Command Centre that monitors and manages patient flow. Humber River Health uses a custom combination of technology and clinical expertise to rebuild elements of care, making technology work for staff and physicians, giving them more time to spend with patients. Learn more and hrh.ca
For more information:
Joe Gorman
Director, Public Affairs, Humber River Health
416-949-6316
jgorman@hrh.ca
Micki Benedetti
Communications, Smilezone Foundation
905-466-2575
benedetti.micki@gmail.com
To download this press release please click the link: HRH Smilezone Press Release
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