Newly transformed pediatric treatment rooms and play areas bring comfort, creativity and joy to young patients receiving care.
Toronto, ON – May 12, 2026 St. Joseph’s Health Centre, a site of Unity Health Toronto, is proud to unveil four newly transformed Smilezone spaces within key areas of the hospital’s Pediatric Department, including treatment rooms and a playroom. Designed to spark imagination, reduce anxiety and create moments of comfort and joy, these vibrant spaces help foster a more welcoming experience for children and families receiving care.
Created by Smilezone Foundation a national charity that has transformed more than 500 healthcare and community spaces across Canada, the newly redesigned areas reflect the Foundation’s mission to improve the emotional and mental well-being of children undergoing medical treatment through uplifting and engaging environments.
“Each Smilezone is thoughtfully designed to support the emotional wellbeing of children receiving care,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder, Smilezone Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to The Slaight Family Foundation and St. Joseph’s Health Centre for making this project possible. Together, we’re helping kids feel safe, supported, and even smile during medical visits.”
“We are excited to join the Smilezone family”, said Marisa Cicero, Senior Clinical Program Director of Women and Children’s Health at Unity Health Toronto. “Thanks to the generosity of the Slaight Family Foundation and Smilezone, our Paediatric Department has been enhanced with refreshed spaces that reflect our West End community and bring delight to the children, youth and families we serve. We’re grateful that our young patients have an extra reason to smile when they come to St. Joseph’s for care.”
Made possible through the generous support of longtime Smilezone partner The Slaight Family Foundation, the transformed spaces were thoughtfully designed to support not only young patients, but also the families, caregivers and healthcare professionals who spend time in the Pediatric Department each day.
Research continues to show that colourful, engaging and thoughtfully designed healthcare environments can positively impact emotional wellbeing, helping children feel calmer and more comfortable during medical visits. Through each Smilezone transformation, the Foundation strives to create spaces where children can feel a sense of joy, hope and connection during challenging moments.
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. The Foundation has transformed 500 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting communities in all ten provinces and reaching hundreds of thousands of children, parents, health care workers and families. For more information, visit www.smilezone.com.
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For more information:
Micki Benedetti
Smilezone Foundation
P: 905-466-2575
benedetti.micki@gmail.com
To download the PDF, click the link: St. Josephs Hospital Toronto Smilezone Press Release FINAL
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