In this month's Smilezone Newsletter: | |
- Upcoming Smilezones
- Our Recent Smilezones
- World Smile Week
- Toronto Rock and Volunteer Opportunities
- Save the date for our 2025 events
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We’re excited to announce these upcoming Smilezone installations over the next few months! These renovated spaces in hospitals and health centres will be vibrant and designed to uplift kids’ spirits as they go through treatment. These Smilezones will feature custom murals and sensory play that invite kids, families and staff members to create joyful experiences together – during times that a smile is most needed!
As we work on these transformative Smilezones, we invite you to explore the upcoming installations below – furthering our vision of bringing Smilezones to medical facilities across Canada.
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St Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake
In November 2024, we will be installing THREE Smilezones at St Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake! The Smilezones will be in the ER playroom, Complex Care Activity Room and Pediatric Day Surgery Room. Thank you to our generous donors, Tim Hortons Elliot Lake and Erin Brunelle for making this project possible!
Learn more here
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Centre de réadaptation (MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre) – Montreal, QC
In November 2024, we will be installing SIX Smilezones at MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre! The Smilezones will be in the Entrance, Reception Waiting Rooms (x2), Breastfeeding Room, Evaluation Room and Hallway. Thank you to our Partner Habilitas Foundation for making this project possible!
Learn more here
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Winnipeg Children’s Hospital
This winter, we will install TWO Smilezones at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, Winnipeg, MB! Thank you to our generous donor, The Coughlin Family for making this project possible!
Learn more here
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Our mission is to create bright, calming and engaging spaces where children feel relaxed and supported during their medical treatment. While we know nothing can replace the comfort of home, our Smilezones strive to make healthcare facilities a more welcoming place. Explore some of our recent installations below! | |
Hamilton Child and Family Supports | | |
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Over a single weekend in September 2024, we installed TEN Smilezones at Hamilton Child and Family Supports! We installed Smilezones in the Family Interview Rooms (x 10).
Thank you to our generous donors, The David and Leslie Clanachan Family Foundation, Hamilton Ti-Cats, The Forge FC, and The Toronto Rock & JR Digs Acoustic Christmas Concert for making this project possible!
“We are truly humbled by this gift and would like to thank each and every donor for their generosity,” said Bryan Shone, Executive Director, Hamilton Child and Family Supports. “It’s truly amazing to see what can be accomplished when organizations come together in partnership. The positive impact on the children, youth and families supported by HCFS will be felt for years to come.”
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Over a single weekend in September 2024, we installed FOUR Smilezones at Lansdown Children’s Centre in Brantford, ON! We installed Smilezones in the Main Entrance, Foyer, Children’s Waiting Room and Physiotherapy Gymnasium. Thank you to our generous donor, Margaret Gurney and Briaura Foundation for making this project possible!
“The vibrance of the new colours has injected an incredible energy into our building. From the first morning that we were welcomed by the beautiful murals in the main entrance and gymnasium, I have watched the wide eyes of the children and their families, as well as our team members, taking in the Smilezone artwork. The multi-lingual welcome sign in particular has earned a lot of attention from our visitors, representing many of the cultures and languages in our community. We are grateful for the partnership of the Smilezone Foundation and the generosity of donor Margaret Gurney. Thank you, for enhancing this special place where children come to realize their potential.”
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Red Deer Children’s Rehabilitation Services at the 49th Street
Community Health Centre
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Installed over the last weekend of June 2024, we installed THREE Smilezones at Red Deer Regional Hospital! The Smilezones will be in the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program – Foyer/Waiting Area, Group Room and Gross Motor Room. Thank you to our generous donors, Ron & Cari MacLean for making this project possible!
“Cari and I grew up in Red Deer, so this community holds a special place in our hearts,” says Ron MacLean. “It means the world to us to contribute to a project that brings hope and positivity to children and their families during challenging times. We have been long-time supporters of Smilezone Foundation because we believe in their mission to create positive and uplifting environments for kids in healthcare settings. It is our pleasure to support this Smilezone transformation at Children’s Rehabilitation Services that makes a real difference in the lives of young patients.”
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Over a single weekend in August 2024, we installed TWO Smilezones at Haven House in Cambridge, ON! We installed Smilezones in the Main Entrance/Main Room, Children’s Classroom! Thank you to our generous donors, Mark & Michelle Trombley for making this project possible!
"Smilezone Foundation is truly thrilled to be a part of this exciting renovation at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region,” said Scott Bachly, chair of the Smilezone Foundation. “We are delighted with the new Smilezone, giving children and their families a reason to smile during their stay in shelter. Thank you to Mark and Michelle Trombley, whom we gratefully recognize for their ongoing support.”
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Over a single weekend in June 2024, we installed TWO Smilezones at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital! The Smilezones will be in the Pediatrics Clinic – Resuscitation Room and Pediatric Ambulance.
Thank you to our generous donor, Heersink Family Foundation for making this project possible!
“We are thrilled to bring the magic of Smilezones to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, transforming critical care areas into vibrant, welcoming spaces for children and their families,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation Chair. “Our goal is to create environments where young patients feel comforted and inspired, even during challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of the Heersink family, these new Smilezone spaces will have a lasting impact on the well-being of the children who receive care here.”
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World Smile Week Events (Sept 30th - Oct 6th) | |
During World Smile Week, we visited some of our local Smilezone Centre/Hospital Partners to bring joy and support to kids, youth and families - Thank you for joining us in celebrating smiles! Check out our World Smile Day events below! | |
Magic Show - Haven House, Cambridge, ON
On Monday, September 30th, 2024, we welcomed Scott Boyd to Haven House in Cambridge, Ontario, in celebration of World Smile Week. His magic show was a delightful gathering, bringing joy and inspiration to the children, mothers, and staff.
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Ti-Cats Game - Hamilton, ON
We were thrilled to invite families from Lynwood and the Hamilton Child and Family Support Center to join us for a special Tiger-Cats game on Friday, October 4th. We hope the families enjoyed watching the game and cheering on the Ti-Cats!
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Movie Night at Film.ca - Oakville, ON
Our last World Smile Day event took place on Saturday, October 5, at the Film.ca Theatre in Oakville, Ontario. We were delighted to bring the wonderful families from Lighthouse Centre to join us for a special screening of the new film The Wild Robot.
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Toronto Rock & Volunteer Opportunities | |
Want to get involved in your community in a fun and rewarding way? Smilezone Foundation is looking for friendly volunteers to sell 50/50 tickets at the Toronto Rock 50/50 home games at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre - Mississauga, ON! Help raise funds for our mission while enjoying the game and connecting with others. | |
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Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Educating the community on the Smilezone Foundation mission
- Selling 50/50 tickets at the Toronto Rock Lacrosse games
- Operate electronic 50/50 technology
- Collecting funds and distributing 50/50 tickets to buyers
- Must be able to commute to Paramount Fine Food Centre - Mississauga, ON
Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Friendly, outgoing and calm demeanour
- Ability to work well in a small group
- Comfortable learning and using new technology
- Basic math skills
- Must be 18 years or older to sell tickets
Requirements:
- Have access to transportation to and from the Paramount Fine Foods Centre (Mississauga, ON)
- Provide a copy of a valid government ID (driver's licence, health card or passport)
Time Commitment:
Smilezone Foundation will host 9 50/50 games this season (December 2024 to April 2025). We are seeking volunteers interested in attending 50% or more of the games. The overall time commitment per game is 4-6 hours.
Game Dates:
- December 7th, 2024 at 7:00 pm
- December 28th, 2024 at 7:00 pm
- January 18th, 2025 at 7:00 pm
- February 8th, 2025 at 7:00 pm
- February 14th, 2025 at 7:00 pm
- February 22nd, 2025 at 7:00 pm
- March 22nd, 2025 at 7:00 pm
- April 11th, 0225 at 8:00 pm
- April 18th, 2025 at 8:00 pm
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If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions please reach out to Lisa Le - lle@smilezone.com | |
Save the Date for Next Years Tournaments | |
We’re thrilled to announce the dates for our highly anticipated 2025 tournaments! Building on the incredible success of our previous Celebrity Golf Tournament and Hockey Helping Kids Tournament, which brought together communities and raised vital funds for our mission, this year promises to be even more memorable. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for a fantastic time of fun, competition, and making a difference. Together, we can continue to bring smiles to children in need! Stay tuned for more details! | |
Hockey Helping Kids 2025 Tournament | |
Date: May 24th, 2025
Time: 6:30 am - 7:30 pm
Arena: Joshua's Creek Arenas - Oakville, ON
Check out our video from this year's tournament and stay tuned for our 2025 tournament details.
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Celebrity Golf Tournament 2025 | |
Date: July 21st, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Course: Lionhead Golf Club - Brampton, ON
Check out our video from this year's tournament and stay tuned for more details about our 2025 tournament.
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To find out more, please visit
www.smilezone.com
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