Smilezone Foundation and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - A generous Smilezone makeover will put smiles on the faces of patients and families who receive care at Sunnybrook's Academic Family Health Team in the Department of Family & Community Medicine. The Smilezone Foundation worked closely with the family practice team to plan 12 new Smilezones within the unit. The spaces include colourful murals, modern furniture and interactive elements like wall-mounted iPads.

"These new spaces will bring a sense of beauty and fun to the children and families who receive primary care at Sunnybrook, enhancing their overall experience, " says Dr. Jon Dellandrea, President and CEO of the Sunnybrook Foundation. "We are truly grateful to receive this incredible gift from Smilezone, which will be enjoyed for years to come."

The Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity committed to "putting smiles on children's faces." It was founded by Adam Graves, a Toronto-born former professional hockey player and two-time Stanley Cup winner, and Scott Bachly, CEO of Bachly Construction.

"Our mission is to create, build and transform Zones in hospitals, treatment centres and clinics to improve the lives of children," says Bachly. "Whether patients are facing illness, disabilities or physical and emotional obstacles, we want to put a smile on their faces."

"That Sunnybrook has an official Smilezone in their facility, we couldn't be more proud to be associated with this internationally renowned establishment," says Randy Lennox, Director, Smilezone Foundation.

The Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team provides primary care to thousands of patients every year, and has a large pediatric population. The project at Sunnybrook is Smilezone's 15^th facility in Ontario, with 68 completed Zones to date. The charity has plans to expand across Canada in 2017.

About Smilezone Foundation
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity committed to "putting smiles on children's faces." The charity, founded by Adam and Violet Graves and Scott and Jackie Bachly, established the overarching mission of assisting children, and their families, who are facing difficult times and health challenges. Smilezone's mission is to create, build and transform areas (Zones) in hospitals, private treatment and development centres, and children's clinics, in order to improve the lives of children facing illness, disabilities, and physical and emotional obstacles—ultimately putting a smile on their faces. Visit smilezone.com for more information.

About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.2 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada's war veterans. For more information about how Sunnybrook is inventing the future of health care please visit us online at www.sunnybrook.ca.

SOURCE Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Monica Matys, Communications Advisor, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 416.480.6100 ext. 2116, [email protected]; Jackie Hames, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Smilezone Foundation, 905-951-2978, [email protected], www.smilezone.com