Help A Child Smile

Family Events

Making new memories together....

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Our Supporters

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Fundraisers

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Welcome to Help a Child Smile

For a child with cancer... every day matters

Since 1987, Help A Child Smile has been dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to children treated for cancer at McMaster Children’s Hospital. What began as a single trip to Canada’s Wonderland to lift spirits during a difficult time has grown into a wide range of programs and supports that make a real difference in the lives of cancer kids and their families. From hosting regular events and teen group activities to providing free hospital parking during treatment, essential comfort kits (“hack packs”), gifts for the ward, and more, we are committed to easing the burden of childhood cancer and creating moments of happiness when they are needed most.

An organization focused on children with cancer treated at the Children’s Hospital at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation by providing opportunities for them and their families to smile and have fun.

Helping Families

Family
Events

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Board

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Funds

Upcoming Events

For Our Families

Families having outdoor fun together, catching fish, eating pizza and ice cream – what more could you ask for!

2025 Family Picnic
Saturday, September 20

2025 Canada's Wonderland
Saturday, August 16

How Your Donations

Help Our Families

Help A Child Smile provided vital support to families through various programs and initiatives last year. We invested $44,000 in family events, $36,000 to cover hospital parking costs, and $6,450 to support families with fertility clinic expenses. an additional $9,000 was used for Welcome Packs with gas cards to ease transportation costs, while $7,500 was allocated to the Sandra Allen Memorial Education Awards. We also responded to hospital requests with $700 in support, and dedicated $1,000 to programs for teens. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting our Help A Child Smile families.

$ 4400

Family Events

$ 3590

Cover Hospital Parking

$ 6400

Fertility Clinic Expenses

$ 8950

Welcome Packs

Thank You To Our

Sponsors & Supporters

Heartfelt Thank You

Messages From Families

Money we raise or that is donated goes back into our community helping families dealing with cancer.

The cancer fight is real, the battle is long, but we are winning.

"Help a Child Smile provides joy in the suffering. We are so thankful for all of those who give. The generosity of people is alive and well. We see it with our own eyes and our hearts are full. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for helping my child smile! With gratitude and thanks,”

Being on one income has been challenging...

“But your generous gifts (Hospital Parking, Cafeteria Gift Cards, family outings and support) have been greatly appreciated!! Thank you for making this difficult year a tad easier for all of us. Our family has enjoyed being part of this beautiful group, from having a family outing full of adrenaline at Niagara Go Karts to our sweet Christmas Party."

My 14 year old son went to a MRI appointment to investigate headaches, nausea and vomiting...

"Of all the financial stress of having a child sick with Cancer, parking at the hospital hits hard! It’s emotionally comforting to know that someone has the compassion for your family to want to pay for your parking. It is a constant reminder that people care every time you come and go without having to pull out a credit card. Please know it might not seem like much, but makes a world of difference.”

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Welcome to Help a Child Smile

For a child with cancer... every day matters