Over a single weekened in May 2024, we installed SIX Smilezones at Waypoint Mental Health! The Smilezones were done in the Stairwell, Café, Quiet Nook, Child/Youth Programming Room, Waiting Room and Exam Room. The Smilezones include: Fresh paint, Colorful Murals, Rolling Storage, iPad with Lockable Kiosk, Book Display, Magnetic/ Dry Erase Whiteboard, Kids Tactile Table, Sensory Table and Wall Mounted Device Charger.
Thank you to our generous donor’s, Waypoint Foundation and Smilezone Foundation Golf Tournament for making this project possible!
“Smilezone isn’t just any play area—it’s a transformative space designed to bring comfort and joy to children and their families during medical visits,” said Suzanne Marchand, Executive Director Chigamik. “With vibrant murals, interactive sensory activities, and cozy furnishings, Smilezone creates an environment where kids can play, relax, and feel at ease.”
“With sincerest thanks, Waypoint celebrates the Smilezone Foundation’s remarkable partnership in enhancing our clinical spaces, making them warm, inviting, and tailored to the needs of children and families,” said Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, President & CEO, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. “Their commitment to transforming healthcare environments will make a lasting impact on the well-being of our youngest patients and their families, fostering a sense of comfort and healing for all who enter.”
About Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Waypoint is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital providing specialty mental health and addiction services and geriatric services for Simcoe County, Muskoka and central Ontario, as well as forensic mental health services for all of Ontario. Waypoint’s main campus, which includes the Waypoint Research Institute, is located on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay in the Town of Penetanguishene. As a regional provider of specialized services, the hospital has an extensive range of acute and longer-term psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs to meet the diverse needs of people of all ages, cultures and identities. The team of forward-thinking experts provides leadership to the broader healthcare system. Waypoint harnesses partnerships, innovation and research to advance understanding of mental health and addictions and improve lives locally and around the world.
About Centre de santé communautaire Chigamik Community Health Centre
Chigamik is a non-profit, community-governed organization that provides our community with a combination of primary health care services, free community programs and community development initiatives. Our ‘Model of Health and Wellbeing’ is based on a health care system that is community driven and proactively addresses the social determinants of health. Our services and programs are culturally-relevant, holistic and available in English and Frenc
Check out the local media coverage:
Muskoka 411 – https://muskoka411.com/waypoint-centre-and-chigamik-unveil-smilezone-spaces-designed-make-kids-smile/
Midland Today – https://www.midlandtoday.ca/local-news/from-drab-to-fab-areas-get-child-friendly-upgrades-at-chigamik-8774186
CTV Barrie – https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2926411
Simcoe.com – https://www.simcoe.com/news/midlands-waypoint-centre-chigamik-cut-ribbon-on-kid-friendly-smilezones/article_7a934723-603a-566b-a579-1864169c5928.html