Lansdowne Children’s Center has undergone a Smilezone visual transformation aimed at making children and their families feel more comfortable when coming to the treatment center on Mt. Pleasant Street in Brantford.
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The lobby is now adorned with imagery that reflects nature, history, and the historical Indigenous legacy of the local lands. The reception desk is adorned with the word Hello in many different languages, indicative of the increasingly diverse community of Brantford-Brant that is reflected in the Centre’s clients and staff.
“Every child deserves to smile,” said Chris Coderre, Smilezone board member. “When we build these rooms, the whole idea is not just to have a safe haven but to have a great place that kids want to go to. Our team comes in on a Friday night and does all the work over the course of a weekend, so when the kids come in on Monday it’s game on.”
The Smilezone Foundation has done installations in 425 locations across Canada, transforming waiting rooms, treatment or patient care rooms into a bright, engaging space for children and their families through the use of murals, furniture, cabinetry, sensory items and interactive technology.
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The Smilezone project at Lansdowne was made possible through a donation by Marg Gurney, who was moved and inspired after seeing a Smilezone installation at the Children’s Hospital in London.
“I wanted to do this where I raised my children,” said the former Paris resident now living in Waterford. “I became so eager and excited to be a part of creating something special fo the children of Lansdowne.
“I hope this Smilezone will continue to put smiles on children’s faces for years to come.”
Susan Battin, autism services manager, said the reaction from Lansdowne clients was immediate.
“As soon as they walk through the doors, we see them looking up, taking it all in, and hanging out in the reception a little bit longer to garner the experience,” Battin noted. “It allows kids to be kids and provides some escape for those who are carrying an otherwise heavy load. The entire space feels respectful of the different ages, stages, and cultures.”
Lansdowne Children’s Center provides services for communication, developmental and physical needs and supports for about 4,000 children and their families each year.
Lansdowne board member Mike Gatopolous told the dignitaries and staff gathered for the grand opening that his son Jack has been client for about seven years.
He said he could hardly find words to describe the Smilezone installation.
“It’s been transformed into a space for all of those kids to feel welcome, and for families and parents to understand and feel the warmth and joy this place brings.”
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