2025 was a landmark year for Smilezone Foundation, marked by extraordinary growth, national milestones, and the continued support of our incredible partners, donors, and communities. With new Smilezones completed across the country, expanded partnerships with major sports organizations, and record-breaking fundraising achievements, this year reflected the heart of our mission: helping every child feel safe, supported, and uplifted during medical care.
This year, Smilezone proudly celebrated the opening of its 500th Smilezone at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This milestone is not only a reflection of how far we’ve come, but of the countless children and families whose lives have been brightened by the welcoming, therapeutic spaces our teams create.
“Reaching 500 Smilezones is something we dreamed about years ago, but seeing it become a reality is incredibly moving,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder, Smilezone Foundation. “Every single Smilezone represents a child’s experience made just a little bit easier and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey.”
Another highlight of 2025 was the completion of Smilezones in all ten provinces, with the installation of five new spaces at The Moncton Hospital.
These new Smilezones which include murals, sensory elements, accessible design features, and child-friendly enhancements ensure that even more families across Canada benefit from compassionate, comforting care environments.
This year, Smilezone deepened and expanded several exciting partnerships that play a vital role in helping us reach more children than ever:
• NHLPA Goals & Dreams – Supporting new Smilezone locations through a long-standing collaboration rooted in hockey’s commitment to community.
• Hamilton Sports Group – Including the Tiger-Cats and Forge FC, empowering transformative spaces for families in Hamilton and beyond.
• Toronto Rock – Continuing partnership and fundraising that supports meaningful improvements to pediatric care environments.
• Tim Hortons Foundation – Smile Cookie Campaign – A beloved national initiative that drove community-powered support for Smilezones across the country.
These partnerships represent the strength of a national community united around the belief that every child deserves to smile.
“The support we’ve received this year has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Adam Graves, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder. “From sports organizations to corporate partners to families who donate year after year each of you plays a part in creating spaces that bring joy and comfort when children need it most. Thank you for believing in this mission.”
In 2025, Smilezone’s annual Celebrity Golf Tournament surpassed all expectations raising over $300,000, exceeding our fundraising goal and setting a record for the event.
The success of this tournament directly fuels our ability to build more Smilezones across Canada, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, participants, celebrity guests, and volunteers who made this incredible achievement possible.
Every Smilezone created in 2025 and every milestone reached was made possible by you: our supporters, donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and partners.
Your generosity and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind the smiles of thousands of children each year.
As Smilezone Foundation moves into 2026, we remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. With new partnerships developing, fundraising initiatives growing, and more hospitals and communities requesting Smilezones than ever before, the year ahead promises exciting growth and momentum.
Together, we will continue transforming health-care spaces into environments filled with hope, comfort, and joy one Smilezone at a time.
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.
To download the PDF click here: Smilezone Foundation 2025 Year in Review Article
Leave A Comment