Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am 26 years old living in Southern Ontario, currently working as a marketing representative for Bachly Construction. I have a passion for food, animals, travel and all things home décor. Spending time with family and friends is my favourite past time!
How did you get involved with Smilezone Foundation?
I was fortunate enough to be asked if I was interested in volunteering at the Smilezone Celebrity golf tournament during my first year working at Bachly Construction in 2016. From there, I fell in love with the foundation and all that they do for children and families. Since first volunteering, I am now a member of the MarComm Committee. I also have the pleasure of attending most Grand Openings and Smilezone events to take photos and content for social media. I’m very thankful to be a part of such an incredible foundation.
What kind of reactions to new Smilezone spaces do you see at grand openings?
I always love to see the wide variety of reactions at the grand openings. For the nurses and hospital staff, it is always gratitude as well as a sense of pride, as the hospital team is a big part of the planning and design process. The parents and families of the children that use the spaces are always very grateful and you can feel a sense of relief in their reactions. When they see a Smilezone in the hospital their child attends a little bit of a weight is lifted off their shoulders because they now know their child is in a uplifting and positive environment, despite what they are going through. The best reactions however, will always be the children’s. Nothing but pure excitement and joy. It’s the most rewarding reactions to witness.
What is your favourite part or most memorable moment you have had while volunteering for Smilezone Foundation?
In some of Smilezones installations they will include a motion censored gesuretek . During one of the walk through tours, we rounded the corner and came across a few nurses and two young patients playing in the motion censored pool of water. They were laughing and carrying on so joyfully and light heartedly. That was when I was first able to witness the impact of a Smilezone first hand. It wasn’t planned or set up, simply just a moment in the nurses and patients day that they could take a break, laugh and enjoy themselves thoroughly.
Is there any advice you would give to someone who is interested in volunteering for Smilezone Foundation?
DO IT! Is there anything better than knowing you played a part in putting a smile on a child’s face during one of the hardest, scariest times of their life? There is nothing more rewarding than that.
