Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Unveils New Smilezone at HSC Children’s Hospital

Transformative space brings comfort, connection and moments of joy to children and families
receiving care in Manitoba.

Winnipeg, MB – May 27, 2026 – Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is proud to unveil a newly transformed Smilezone space within a key waiting area at HSC Children’s Hospital, designed to create a brighter, more welcoming experience for children and families navigating medical care.

Created by Smilezone Foundation, a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children receiving treatment in healthcare and community settings, the newly reimagined space transforms what was once a clinical waiting area into an uplifting and engaging environment focused on comfort, emotional well-being and connection.

Thoughtfully designed with vibrant colours, calming elements and interactive features, the Smilezone aims to help reduce stress and anxiety while creating moments of joy and distraction for children and families during what can often be difficult healthcare experiences.

This transformation was made possible through the generous support of the Brian, Connor and Dee Family Foundation, whose contribution reflects a shared commitment to enhancing pediatric care experiences for children and families across Manitoba.

“We know that environment can have a powerful impact on how children and families feel during medical visits,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder. “Our goal is to create spaces that help ease anxiety, spark imagination and bring moments of comfort and positivity during challenging times. We are incredibly grateful to the Brian, Connor and Dee Family Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba for helping make this meaningful transformation possible for families in Winnipeg.”

The unveiling celebration included remarks from leaders at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and Smilezone Foundation, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and VIP tour of the newly completed space.

“Every child and family who walks through the doors of HSC Children’s Hospital deserves to feel comforted, supported and cared for in every sense—not just clinically, but emotionally as well,” said Stefano Grande, President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “This new Smilezone reflects our commitment to creating spaces that help ease anxiety, foster connection and bring moments of joy during what can be incredibly challenging times. We’re deeply grateful to the Brian, Connor and Dee Family Foundation and our partners at Smilezone Foundation for helping us enhance the care experience for Manitoba families in such a meaningful way.”

With more than 500 Smilezones created across Canada, Smilezone Foundation continues to transform healthcare and community spaces into environments where children can feel more supported, comfortable and empowered throughout their care journey.

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.

Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

Let’s make anything possible.

You can help a sick or injured child with a gift to Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Since 1971, with incredible donor support, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has raised more than $265 million to help children get the best care experience possible by funding leading edge equipment, improved health care spaces, and child and family-focused programs in hospital at HSC Children’s Hospital – Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. The Foundation also supports more than 300 world-class pediatric medical researchers, at our Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, involved in nearly $20 million of research and clinical trial activity each year with the goal of ground-breaking cures and clinically proven supports for pediatric care in Manitoba and around the world.

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