5th Anniversary For CLICK Benefits Hospitals For Kids
Microsoft Canada, Children’s Miracle Network and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids (CLICK) program today. At an event held at CHEO and attended by Mrs. Laureen Harper, Microsoft announced an expansion to the program with the donation of 200 units of Kinect™ sensors for Xbox 360® to the 14 Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals across Canada.
“Thanks to CLICK, we’ve seen children light up during what could have been very dark times. Microsoft Canada’s donations have enabled our patients to have a greater sense of normalcy by being more connected to their friends and family.” said Maureen Jones, Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. “We know that the power of play has an incredible impact on children and parents, through both treatment and recovery. In the past five years, CLICK has delivered remarkable results, and we look forward to exciting new opportunities for play with Kinect.”
Through the CLICK program, patients can access Tablet PCs, software, digital cameras, printers, webcams, Xbox 360 consoles and now Kinect for Xbox 360. CLICK is also implemented at an additional 14 Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals across Canada, including Quebec City’s Centre mère-enfant at CHUQ and Halifax’s IWK Health Centre.
“Harnessing the power of technology, CLICK enables children to stay connected, brings fun and joy into the hospital, and inspires them to stretch their imaginations and think creatively,” said Gavin Thompson, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft Canada. “By adding Kinect to CLICK, we hope to help improve hospital stays for children and families by giving them the opportunity to play with the same new technology their friends may be enjoying.”
“Five years ago, we asked Microsoft to help us bring interactive technology into CHEO. Rather than just writing a cheque, Microsoft Canada worked closely with Children’s Miracle Network and CHEO to develop a meaningful program that meets the specific needs of children in hospital,”said John Hartman, Chief International Officer, Children’s Miracle Network. “What sets Microsoft Canada apart is their approach to understanding the challenges and goals of our organizations; they are committed to making social investments that enable us to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.”
CLICK is part of Microsoft Canada’s corporate Citizenship program which is committed to making technology more relevant, affordable and accessible for people everywhere – including Canadian youth. Through social investments, the Microsoft Canada team aspires to ignite the power of creativity in organizations, businesses and youth across the country.
