Community Engagement

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Smiles Squad

Smiles Squad is our junior executive team consisting of 20 students. Members attend weekly 1.5-hour meetings and assist in various club events such as bake sales and info tables. The team collaborates with the senior executives in preparing for our annual fundraising events, and is in charge of running its own community engagement initiatives in the greater Hamilton area. Below are descriptions of the three community events that Smiles Squad runs annually: Pumpkin Hike, Teddy Bear Adventure, and Hospital Carnival.

Pumpkin Hike

Pumpkin Hike is a Halloween-themed event held in late October. After a fun hike along Cootes Paradise held by the McMaster Maroons, Smiles Squad sets up games and crafts for the children and families of George R. Allan Public School. This annual event attracts hundreds of local students and their families! 

Teddy Bear Adventure

Teddy Bear Adventure is run in collaboration with George R. Allan Public School, and usually takes place in March. The team picks a theme that complements the goals and values that the school is trying to promote within the student body, and incorporates this theme into activities and crafts that they run with the students. This past year, the theme was anti-bullying awareness, and Smiles Squad had a great time teaching the students this important lesson!

Spring Carnival

Each year, Smiles Squad runs a carnival at McMaster Children’s Hospital in late March. The carnival offers games, crafts, and prizes to patients and their siblings or visitors. We create an inclusive environment where even bed-ridden children get a chance to come out of their rooms, forget their illness for some time, and have a great time!