Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Laureen Harper joins Microsoft, Children's Miracle Network and McMaster Children's Hospital to launch CLICK

Interactive technology program will provide fun and learning opportunities to hospitalized kids

HAMILTON, ON, Feb. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Laureen Harper will join Microsoft Canada, Children's Miracle Network and McMaster Children's Hospital to launch the Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids (CLICK) program on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at McMaster Children's Hospital.

Initiated by Microsoft Canada and the Children's Miracle Network, the CLICK program aims to create a sense of normalcy for children who experience lengthy hospitalizations. The Program does this by providing access to technology, Tablet PCs, software, webcams, digital cameras, printers and Xbox consoles during their stay.

This media event will highlight how CLICK will improve the patient experience through the power of play. The goal is to offer hospitalized children a welcome distraction through play as well as connect them to their friends, family and school. Demonstrations will take place at the media event and a Child Life Specialist and Mac Kids patient will be available for interviews

Event details:

What:							The Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids (CLICK) program launch and demonstrations
When:							Friday, February 24, 2012
Time:							11:00 a.m.
Where:							McMaster Children's Hospital 3^rd Floor Children's Hospital Lounge 1200 Main St. West Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
Who:							Laureen Harper Michael Eisen, Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft Canada Pearl Veenema, President & CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation John Hartman, Chief International Officer, Children's Miracle Network Jennifer Beaudoin, Child Life Specialist, McMaster Children's Hospital

About McMaster Children's Hospital

McMaster Children's Hospital is one of Canada's leading pediatric health care facilities and is the regional referral centre for children who are seriously ill, injured or require specialized services in south-central Ontario. With more than 180,000 patient visits a year, we provide a full range of specialized pediatric services including a dedicated emergency department, 40 outpatient clinics, the province's largest neonatal intensive care unit and the only pediatric trauma centre in the region. In addition, a range of specialized outpatient services operate at the Chedoke site,  including autism, developmental pediatrics & rehabilitation, and mental health.  It is also home to the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research and the internationally renowned Offord Centre for Child Studies.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.

Sarah Louise Gardiner
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