Smilezone Foundation and The Slaight Family Foundation unveil 11 vibrant, therapeutic zones in pediatric outpatient areas
TORONTO, ON – June 4, 2025 – Smilezone Foundation is proud to announce the grand opening of eleven newly designed Smilezone spaces at St. Michael’s Hospital’s outpatient Paediatric Clinic in downtown Toronto. These colourful, engaging environments are designed to uplift young patients and ease the stress of medical treatment, offering moments of comfort and joy during often challenging times.
Generously funded by The Slaight Family Foundation, the new Smilezones are in key waiting areas and treatment rooms. The spaces feature bright murals, interactive elements, calming colours, and fun designs that aim to make the hospital experience more positive for children and their families.
“Each Smilezone is thoughtfully designed to support the emotional wellbeing of children receiving care,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder of Smilezone Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to The Slaight Family Foundation and St. Michael’s Hospital for making this project possible. Together, we’re helping kids feel safe, supported, and even smile during medical visits.”
Smilezones do more than brighten a room, they create an atmosphere of healing. Research shows that positive, engaging spaces can reduce anxiety, lower pain perception, and improve cooperation during medical procedures. By supporting both mental and physical well-being, Smilezone environments contribute to better treatment experiences and health outcomes for young patients and their caregivers.
“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, the healthcare network that includes St. Michael’s Hospital. “Thanks to the generosity of the Slaight Family Foundation and Smilezone, our waiting room and exam rooms have been transformed into bright and fun spaces that 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. Michael’s for care.”
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. Smilezone has transformed 450 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting over 96 communities 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 press release as a PDF click the link: St. Michael’s Hospital – Smilezone Press Release FINAL
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