Three sensory-friendly therapy zones bring calm, comfort, and healing to children and families—thanks to generous community donors and Smilezone Foundation partners.
Mississauga, ON – June 24, 2025 – Shining Through Centre is thrilled to unveil three newly transformed Smilezone spaces at its Mississauga autism therapy centre, designed to provide a soothing and engaging environment for children on the autism spectrum.
Thanks to the generosity of The Harold Ballard Foundation, founding donor partner BMO Financial Group, and supporters of the 2024 Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament, these new sensory-friendly spaces are purpose-built to reduce stress and enhance comfort for learners and their families.
“Smilezones are created to help children feel safe, relaxed, and supported especially during what can often be overwhelming or stressful appointments,” says Jackie Hames, Executive Director, Smilezone Foundation. “Partnering with Shining Through Centre allows us to support children with autism and their families in a meaningful and lasting way. This project would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our long-time partners at The Harold Ballard Foundation, BMO Financial Group, and the supporters who contributed during our 2024 Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament. Their continued commitment to making a difference has helped bring comfort and joy to children and families at Shining Through Centre.”
Smilezone spaces are thoughtfully designed to reduce anxiety, provide emotional relief, and promote healing for children and families during medical and therapeutic visits. Featuring colourful murals, interactive elements, tactile play zones, and quiet, comforting surroundings, these environments create a sense of calm and safety. By making care settings more engaging and less intimidating, Smilezones help children feel more at ease, allowing for better connection, communication, and overall wellbeing.
In 2025, Smilezone Foundation has proudly opened numerous new Smilezones in seven locations across Canada, continuing its mission to bring comfort, joy, and healing to children receiving care. From hospital wings to therapy centres, each newly transformed space is tailored to meet the unique needs of young patients and their families. These openings spanning provinces and a wide range of healthcare and community settings reflect the Foundation’s growing impact and unwavering commitment to creating positive, therapeutic environments where children can feel safe, supported, and uplifted during difficult times.
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.
ABOUT SHINING THROUGH CENTRE:
Shining Through Centre (STC) is a recognized leader in the field of autism and a community learning and service provider, with three locations across the GTA – Mississauga, Woodbrige and North York. We offer best-in-class, evidenced-based ABA therapy and educational services that are customized to each young person with autism. For 25 years, we’ve helped hundreds of children with autism reach their fullest potential. Our services include: ABA therapy for children and youth, one-on-one therapy sessions, social groups, parent training–feeding, sleeping, toileting, academic remediation & tutoring. For more information, visit www.shiningthrough.ca.
-30-
For more information:
Micki Benedetti Fernanda Adams
Smilezone Foundation Shining Through Centre
P: 905-466-2575 P: 905-960-9518
benedetti.micki@gmail.com fundraising@shiningthrough.ca
To download as a PDF please click the link: Shining Through Centre – Smilezone Press Release FINAL
Leave A Comment