There were lots of cheery faces at the Community Health Hub today as Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and Centre de santé communautaire Chigamik Community Health Centre opened five Smilezone spaces in the Midland facility’s child and youth waiting rooms, treatment room, youth nook and Hub Café.
Smilezones are specially designed areas that provide children with a safe, engaging and supportive environment where they can relax and feel at ease. These vibrant and interactive spaces have been proven to increase children’s receptiveness to treatment, reduce anxiety during clinical visits, and offer a refuge from the stresses of their health journeys.
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. With vibrant murals, interactive sensory activities, and cosy furnishings, Smilezone creates an environment where kids can play, relax, and feel at ease.
Suzanne Marchand, Executive Director at Chigamik
Generously donated by Smilezone Foundation — with additional support from community donations, North Simcoe Rotaract and various fundraising events — the newly established Smilezones feature bright murals and interactive elements to enhance the health-care experience for children, youths and their families.
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. Their commitment to transforming health-care 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.
Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, Waypoint President and CEO
Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation co-founder, said he was pleased to be on hand for the unveiling.
Uplifting and comforting spaces can calm nerves, decrease fear and anxiety, and be a source of encouragement and strength. Smilezone Foundation is dedicated to creating these healing spaces for children and their families. We are grateful for the community support and donations that made this possible.