Toronto (June 8, 2023) – The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) is pleased to announce the unveiling of 8 Family Access Rooms at its Scarborough location that have been transformed into ‘Smilezones’ through generous donations from the SmileZone Foundation with support from Angela James, Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee and former Olympian.
Family Access Rooms are used by children, youth and caregivers who are served by CAST and provide a safe and supportive place for them to connect with another. Now as Smilezones, these spaces include accent walls, murals and televisions designed to enhance the experience for families during their time together.
“At CAST, we’re always seeking new ways to better support families in our communities, including providing them with a warm and welcoming environment when they walk through our doors,” said Lisa Tomlinson, Chief Executive Officer at CAST. “We are grateful to Smilezone and Angela James for their donations and contributions that have allowed us to enhance the experience for children, youth and their caregivers during their important time together.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with CAST and Angela James, with the goal of bringing smiles to the Scarborough community. The staff at CAST are passionately providing excellent care to children and families, and our hope is that these Smilezones will complement the hard work they do every day.” Adam Graves, Two-time Stanley Cup Winner and Co-Founder of the Smilezone Foundation.
“As a young child growing up with a single mother of five in provincial housing, I am honored to be able to give back to the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto’s Scarborough location. Such a welcoming space will support parents, children, youth, and staff.” Angela James, Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee and former Olympian.
Please see photos of the Family Access Rooms and the launch event below featuring representatives from the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, the Smilezone Foundation and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
About the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) is a non-profit, community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. CAST strives to ensure the safety and well-being of the community’s children and youth, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through culturally-competent services, with the support of the community, we help parents and caregivers build healthy families and provide a safe environment for children and youth.
About Smilezone Foundation
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity based in Oakville, ON, committed to putting smiles on kids’ faces. Founded by Scott Bachly and Adam Graves in 2012, the Foundation’s mission is to make tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment in hospitals and health care facilities. We do this by creating fun and engaging “Smilezones” that harness the uplifting power of a smile for the kids and their families. Please visit smilezone.com for more information about the 325+ Smilezones in Canada.
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For more information
Leigh LePage
Supervisor of Communications
Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
416-924-4640 ext. 2175
llepage@torontocas.ca
(From left) Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder, Karen Turner, Manager, Community Programs & Out of Home Care Children's Services, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Toronto Region, Lisa Tomlinson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Yeugenia Kazantseva, Board Chair, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Angela James, Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee and former Olympian, Kristina Peters, Supervisor of Scarborough Access Team, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, and Adam Graves, Two-time Stanley Cup Winner and Co-Founder of the Smilezone Foundation.
