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Smilezone team sinks its teeth into upgrades at Seasons Centre

Smilezone Foundation revitalizes hallway, art room and medical room at Barrie facility, as well as the living room at Youth Haven
2019-02-05 Seasons ribbon
Photo supplied

NEWS RELEASE
SEASONS CENTRE FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN
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Children participating in peer support groups at Seasons Centre for Grieving Children and youth experiencing homelessness at Youth Haven today will be welcomed with a brighter and more engaging environment, thanks to a generous makeover by Smilezone Foundation.

Over the final weekend of January, the Smilezone team renovated the hallway, art room, and medical room at Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, and the living room at Youth Haven. Specific features include bright murals, fresh paint, jersey boxes, furniture, a Smart TV, custom storage, sensory and medical play toys, and more!

The Smilezone project was made possible by the OHL Barrie Colts and Wawanesa Insurance. “On behalf of the Barrie Colts and the Barrie Community Foundation we are thrilled to have helped these worthy projects,” said Howie Campbell, president of the Barrie Colts.

“The funds from the 50/50 draws at Barrie Colts games are donated to projects and organizations like Smilezone, Youth Haven, Seasons Centre and many other worthy organizations in our community. With the help of the Barrie Community Foundation, we were able to establish the Barrie Colts Community Fund and with the generous support of our fans who purchase 50/50 tickets each game, it allows projects like this to exist.”

“Wawanesa is proud to support the Smilezone Foundation’s work to create warm and welcoming spaces that help kids and families when they need it the most,” said Josie Porto, Wawanesa’s Regional Vice President, Ontario. “Helping to make our communities brighter, healthier, more vibrant places to live is core to our company’s values.”

The Smilezone team worked very closely with the team at Seasons Centre for Grieving Children to create these bright new spaces.

Marcy Baldry, Development Director says that this will be a space “where children ages 5-12 years old can work through their grief feelings. One of the goals of our peer support groups is to provide participants with the necessary tools to promote grieving in healthy ways, promoting emotional well-being thus building resiliency. With this generous support these renovated spaces are where they can do just that.”

“We are so grateful to Smilezone, the Barrie Colts and Wawanesa Insurance for making this project possible! You have created a living space that makes our residents feel at home, not in an emergency shelter. Thank you!” said Lucy Gowers, Youth Haven, Executive Director.

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