Record growth and national support drive expansion as Smilezone brings joy, comfort, and healing spaces to children and families across Canada.
Oakville, ON – October 23, 2025 – Smilezone Foundation is proud to announce the completion of its 500th Smilezone, marking a major milestone in its mission to transform healthcare facilities into joyful, therapeutic spaces for children. The 500th Smilezone was officially unveiled at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland on October 16, a significant step as the Foundation continues expanding from coast to coast.
Remarkably, it took the Foundation ten years to build its first 400 Smilezones, but in just over a year since celebrating that achievement in May 2024, an additional 100 new Smilezones have been completed. This rapid growth reflects the strong support of donors, the success of record-breaking fundraisers, and the growing demand from healthcare organizations across Canada.
“Our 500th Smilezone shows just how far we’ve come and the real impact these spaces have on children’s health, happiness, and ability to heal,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder of Smilezone Foundation. “From colourful murals to sensory play areas, Smilezones are designed to ease stress and create moments of joy. None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the support of our communities. Together, we’re changing what healthcare feels like for kids and families.”
Smilezone’s recent growth has been fueled by some of its most successful fundraising efforts to date, powered by the generosity of partners and community supporters nationwide. Record-breaking events like the 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, national campaigns such as Tim Hortons Smile Cookie, founding donor partner BMO Financial Group and the ongoing support of NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams fund, Toronto Rock and Hamilton Sports & Entertainment Group have all played a vital role in making new Smilezones possible. Together, these efforts have not only raised significant funds but also strengthened awareness of Smilezone’s mission to bring joy and comfort to children in healthcare settings.
“This milestone is a true reflection of what can happen when communities, donors, and partners unite around a vision of making healthcare better for kids,” said Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder, Adam Graves. “Reaching 500 Smilezones is a proud moment, but it’s also just the beginning. We remain committed to reaching more children, more families, and more communities with spaces that heal through joy.”
Expanding beyond Ontario, Smilezone proudly built its first spaces in British Columbia, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, with the milestone 500th Smilezone now bringing comfort and smiles to children and families at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Newfoundland. Other highlights include a record-setting 10 Smilezones at Hamilton Child & Family Supports.
What is a Smilezone? Each Smilezone is a bright, welcoming space designed to help children feel comfortable and supported during medical visits. They often feature colourful murals, sensory play elements like bubble tubes and tactile panels, interactive technology such as iPads and game systems, as well as art, music, and cozy seating areas. Together, these elements create fun, therapeutic environments where kids can relax, play, and just be kids.
With 500 Smilezones completed and communities across Canada now benefiting from these joyful spaces, Smilezone Foundation remains committed to improving the lives of children and families during challenging medical experiences and treatment visits with many more milestones ahead.
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Read more about the 500th Smilezone here.
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.
For more information:
Micki Benedetti
Smilezone Foundation
P: 905-466-2575
benedetti.micki@gmail.com
To donwload the PDF of this press relase, click here: 500th Smilezone Press Release FINAL
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