A hospital visit can be a frown-making experience for a child and their family. Guelph General Hospital is adding a few smile-inducing amenities to the equation.
The charity organization Smilezone recently moved its crew into seven different rooms and corridors of the hospital where children are treated, adding a bunch of fun, colourful pictures, and games to help brighten the lives of young patients.
Guelph General’s smile-worthy areas represent the 100th such installation by Smilezone in Ontario health care facilities in just three years.
The Guelph Storm hockey organization and community builder Larry Pearson of Baseball Canada, contributed funds to a project that many say has enlivened the walls of the hospital, and will help in the healing process.
A grand opening was held on Monday. The hospital has three departments for paediatrics, and seven areas within them have been Smilezoned. Guests at the opening were given a tour of three of those areas.
Fanciful and eye-catching, the paintings depict many smiling animals, and even teams of dinosaurs playing baseball. There are some inspiration quote as well, and a general brightening of the walls.
Suzanne Bone, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, said the Smilezone team arrived in the hospital about 10 days ago and “literally transformed the spaces.”
Shannon Maier, clinical director of maternal newborn and paediatric services at the hospital told the gathering that it is difficult for a child to be sick and in the hospital. They are in pain, restless, and bored. Smilezone offers a distraction from their difficulties, and the brightening effect can have a positive impact on their health, she said.
“It brings a little more happiness and a lot more smiles to kids who deserve it,” she said.
Rick Gaetz of the Guelph Storm said many Ontario Hockey League teams have embraced and supported the Smilezone cause.
“It’s all about making the environment a little more comfortable, fun and friendly for kids,” he said, adding that the Storm will find other ways to support the hospital in the future.”
Smilezone co-founder Scott Bachly thanked BMO for the $1 million donation that got the charity off the ground in 2012. Families, he said, “face obstacles beyond words” when a child is sick. Smilezone is trying to make a difference in their lives.
Retired National Hockey League left-winger Adam Graves, also a Smilezone co-founder, was also on hand for the grand opening, and took part in the ribbon cutting.
