Six newly transformed spaces in Janeway’s Occupational Therapy department mark a joyful milestone for children, families, and healthcare staff.
St. John’s, NL – October 16, 2025 – The Smilezone Foundation is proud to unveil six vibrant new Smilezone spaces for the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre’s Occupational Therapy department. These welcoming, child-friendly environments are designed to spark joy, provide comfort, and create calm for children and families during their care journeys.
This unveiling marks a remarkable milestone: the creation of the 500th Smilezone across Canada, celebrating 11 years of transforming healthcare spaces for young patients nationwide.
Thanks to the generous support of the Allan and Darlene Dillabough family, six areas of the department including treatment rooms and the department’s gym have been beautifully reimagined. Each Smilezone has been thoughtfully designed to inspire smiles, ease stress, and create uplifting moments for children, families, and staff alike.
“Reaching our 500th Smilezone is a milestone that reflects the incredible partnerships we’ve built with hospitals, donors, and communities across the country,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder of Smilezone Foundation. “We are especially grateful to the Dillabough family for their generous support in making these new Smilezones at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre possible. Their commitment has helped us create welcoming spaces that will bring comfort and joy to children and families for years to come.”
“Together with my wife Darlene and our family, I am so proud to give back to our community here in St. John’s through the Smilezone project at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre,” said donor Allan Dillabough. “This hospital means so much to families across Newfoundland and Labrador, and our hope is that these new Smilezones will bring lots of joy, comfort, and smiles to the kids who come here for treatment.”
Research consistently shows that creating positive, welcoming environments in healthcare settings can reduce stress and anxiety not only for young patients, but also for their families and healthcare providers. By making spaces brighter, more engaging, and family-friendly, Smilezones foster resilience, improve emotional well-being, and enhance the overall care experience.
“Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is proud to welcome patients to the newly upgraded occupational therapy department, which, through the installation of six new Smilezones, will enhance the experience for children, families and staff,” said Melvin Layden, senior director of Primary Health Care and Community Services (Eastern-Urban Zone) with NL Health Services. “We extend our sincere thanks to the Smilezone Foundation and its generous donor, as well as to our dedicated health-care professionals whose commitment and teamwork made this project possible.”
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: Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre – Smilezone Press Release FINAL
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