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Helping sick kids to smile again

Tuesday 19th March, 2024

Hospital stays can be difficult for children – but a group of mothers is helping to make kids' healthcare experience a lot more fun.

After more than five years delivering activity bags to Sydney Adventist Hospital's Emergency Care department, the North Shore mums' Smiles2U charity is extending the initiative to the paediatric ward.

"It is so heart-warming to see how much joy that these gifts bring to our patients on the ward – I can honestly say it makes the world of difference to these kids," said Jo Zafos, Clinical Support Officer at New South Wales' largest private hospital, also known as the San.

The mums behind Smiles2U provide packs including colouring books, sticker books and crayons to keep kids entertained during their time in hospital.

San nurses Jo Zafos and Emily Amico

"Each year thousands of children are hospitalised, which can be a scary, daunting and, at times, lonely experience," founder Michelle Key said.

"Smiles2U has created fun activity packs for kids that are filled with things for them to do and keep them occupied while they undergo their treatment."

Adventist Healthcare CEO Brett Goods praised the charity's contribution to patient happiness at the San.

"We are grateful for the ongoing support of Smiles2U, which has helped cheer up so many patients during their stay at the San," he said.