Smilezone Grand Openings

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of four new Smilezones in Mississauga and Nova Scotia—each designed to bring comfort, joy, and healing to children, youth, and families!


  • EveryMind Mental Health Services (Mississauga): For over 40 years, EveryMind has provided vital mental health support to children, youth, and families across Peel. This new Smilezone offers a bright, welcoming space to enhance the care experience. Huge thanks to the Toronto Rock for making this transformation possible!


  • Autism Nova Scotia – Halifax: This centre offers programs, advocacy, and education to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.


  • YWCA Halifax: A hub for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, offering services such as housing, employment support, and community programming.


  • A heartfelt thank you to Tim Hortons HRM Owners for generously funding both of these impactful Smilezones!


  • Autism Nova Scotia – Cape Breton Chapter: Serving the autism community across Cape Breton with inclusive programming, resources, and support. Thank you to Tim Hortons Cape Breton owners for your amazing support.

Everymind Centre Grand Opening


We are so excited to announce the new Smilezone at EveryMind Mental Health Services in Mississauga. These newly designed areas, generously donated by the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club!


The Smilezone Foundation has transformed five key areas within the EveryMind office to create a welcoming and uplifting environment for young clients facing mental health challenges. With vibrant custom murals inspired by local nature and the Toronto Rock lacrosse theme, the spaces feature sensory-friendly elements, interactive technology, and comfortable seating.


“On behalf of EveryMind’s Board of Directors, staff, clients and their families, I would like to thank the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club for their generous donation, and Smilezone Foundation for facilitating the incredible transformation of our waiting areas, hallways, childcare room, and group session room. The designs are thoughtful, inclusive, vibrant and hopeful, and the result is a joyful, safe and welcoming space for our clients. We are so grateful for this opportunity and absolutely thrilled by the results!” - Ceri Harnden, EveryMind’s CEO


The Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club plays a vital role in supporting Smilezone Foundation through its annual fundraising efforts, including 50/50 draws and special game event nights. Every year, the passionate Toronto Rock fans generously contribute to these initiatives, helping raise critical funds to transform spaces like the Smilezones at EveryMind Mental Health Services.



 


Click Here To Read The Full Press Release

Autism Nova Scotia: Halifax Location


We are excited to announce the new Smilezone at Autism Nova Scotia and YWCA Halifax. Autism Nova Scotia is proud to celebrate the grand opening of five newly transformed Smilezone spaces, designed to create inclusive, welcoming, and accepting environments for children and families receiving support in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).


Located in the QuickStart Nova Scotia family rooms and waiting area at Autism Nova Scotia’s new office on Joseph Howe Drive, these spaces were made possible through the incredible generosity of local Tim Hortons HRM Owners and the $168,000 raised by the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign. The Smilezones feature vibrant murals, sensory-friendly equipment, and interactive technology.


“These new Smilezone spaces offer a warm, inclusive environment for families in our QuickStart Nova Scotia program—many of whom are just beginning their autism journey. They will also serve as unique, sensory-friendly spaces for Autistic teens and young adults to connect through social and recreational programming. This transformation is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community comes together to create spaces where people of all ages feel safe, supported, and valued.” - Amanda Alexander, Executive Director of Autism Nova Scotia


In addition to the five new Smilezones at Autism Nova Scotia, the Smile Cookie donation also funded four refurbished spaces at the YWCA Halifax’s Supportive Housing for Young Mothers (SHYM) Program, including a kitchen, programming room, child-minding area, and main entrance.


“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Smilezone Foundation for their dedicated efforts in enhancing our common spaces. We are also deeply thankful to Tim Hortons HRM for their generous funding of Smilezone projects at Autism Nova Scotia and YWCA Halifax. Together, we are creating brighter futures for young mothers and their children.” - Miia Suokonautio, Executive Director of YWCA Halifax.

 




Click Here To Read The Full Press Release

Autism Nova Scotia:

Cape Breton Chapter


We are excited to announce the grand opening of two newly designed Smilezones in at the Cape Breton regional autism centre, made possible through the generosity of Tim Hortons Cape Breton Island Owners and funds raised during the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.


Located in the main programming room and the multipurpose/board room at Autism Nova Scotia – Cape Breton centre.


“These beautiful new Smilezones are more than just bright and welcoming areas—they are safe spaces where children and families feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Amanda Alexander, Executive Director of Autism Nova Scotia. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of local Tim Hortons Cape Breton Island Owners and the Smile Cookie community, these spaces will have a lasting impact on the well-being and inclusion of Autistic individuals and families who visit our Sydney office.”


The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign has played a transformative role in funding Smilezone spaces across Canada, bringing comfort and joy to thousands of children in healthcare and community settings. Through the collective generosity of Tim Hortons restaurant owners and their customers, funds raised during Smile Cookie week have helped build engaging, therapeutic environments including Halifax, NS, Brandon, MB and Cambridge, ON. These Smilezones—designed with vibrant murals, sensory tools, and accessible technology—help reduce stress, support developmental needs, and foster inclusive, welcoming spaces where children and families feel safe and supported during often challenging times.

 

Click Here To Read The Full Press Release

A Successful 10th Annual Hockey Helping Kids

We’re thrilled to share the incredible success of our 10th Annual Hockey Helping Kids Tournament, held on Saturday, May 24th at Joshua’s Creek Arenas in Oakville, Ontario! This special milestone event exceeded expectations, bringing together an amazing community of supporters and reaching our ambitious fundraising goal of $200,000. These funds will go directly toward creating uplifting, therapeutic spaces for children undergoing medical treatment across Canada.


The energy at the arena was electric from early morning to evening, as the day was filled with exciting hockey action, family-friendly fun, and touching moments of generosity and connection. The 12-hour tournament featured 14 teams packed with celebrity talent, a lively fan festival, and engaging activities for guests of all ages. Highlights included the always-popular “Shootout with the Pros,” a chuck-a-puck contest, live chats in the Hot Stove Lounge, and opportunities to snap photos with Hockey Hall of Fame trophies.


This year’s tournament was one to remember—and we’re just getting started! Be sure to follow us on social media as we continue to share highlights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from this unforgettable day. More updates are coming soon!


Register Now for the 2025 Smile Bowl Event

To learn more about this event,

visit WWW.SmileBowl.ca

To find out more, please visit

www.smilezone.com

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