Healing with Smiles - KeepSmiling Alliance was founded in 2002 to help bring hope to patients who are living with a life-threatening illness or at the end stages of life. It is our belief that a simple smile lifts the spirits, touches the heart and nourishes the soul. We are a non-profit, non-denominational organization whose efforts are supported by community volunteers who fund raise throughout the year.
On August 20, 2009, the organization became a registered charity in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
To date, we have distributed well over 5,000 Healing Hippos to patients throughout Canada.
Healing with Smiles is comprised of eight Board of Directors, who operate our fundraising efforts, to sustain our programs.
Front Row (left to right):
Debbie Martin,
Brenda Broadfoot,
Back Row (left to right):
Lisa Ellis,
Darlene Cancilla,
Buttercup,
Kelly Curtin,
Danette McClinchey,
Helen Weigel,
Donna Broadfoot
Turning Smiles into “HOPEâ€
It’s been a rewarding year for Healing with Smiles as we complete our 3rd year as a registered charity. We have grown so much and sharpened our focus on our objective of bringing hope to those living with a life threatening illness or the end stages of life.
Science has shown that laughter has a powerful health benefit which is the corner stone of our charity. It has been proven that laughter strengthens the immune system, boosts energy and diminishes pain. We encourage everyone to embrace this powerful tool. It’s free! So there is no reason not to use it every day.
When a person has been given difficult health news, laughter can give them the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a simple smile can go a long way towards making them feel better.
You will continue to find us at work in your community, delivering Healing Hippos to homes for the aged, recruiting teams of students to participate in fundraising events and spreading awareness of the importance of laughter and hope.
Our purple hippo-mobile continues to travel through our community turning heads and leaving everyone with a great big grin.
Healing with Smiles is driven by people like you – our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and smiley ambassadors, who all believe that humour is infectious. When laughter is shared, it binds people together, increases happiness and creates hope. Your support, commitment and belief in us enables us to increase our ability to spread our message.
Thank you for supporting Healing with Smiles and please remember that everyday looks a little bit brighter with a smile.
Brenda Broadfoot, President