Interactive computer technology keeps kids connected with friends,
family and school during hospital stays
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Microsoft Canada through its
partnership with Children's Miracle Network, has launched the Child
Life Interactive Computers for Kids (CLICK) program benefiting patients
at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Designed to improve the
patient experience through the power of play and connectivity to the
outside world, CLICK aims to create a sense of normalcy for children
who experience hospitalizations for any length of time.
CLICK gives hospitalized children access to technology, providing them
with a distraction and therapeutic outlet while reducing anxiety and
stress. The program encourages youth to stay connected and feel
empowered while making technology accessible for patients and families
at the hospital. Patients will have access to the latest technology
including tablets, game systems and software. CLICK technology will
allow them to connect with one another through therapeutic group
gaming, have access to Internet search engines, social networks and
e-mail, create personal blogs, complete homework assignments and chat
online with families and friends. To ensure there is a therapeutic
value to the technology available, Microsoft Canada also funds a Child
Life Specialist to design individual and group programming
opportunities tailored to the needs of children and teens in hospital
and to teach the children and their parents how to use it effectively.
"Microsoft is committed to CLICK because we have seen how technology can
enhance the patient experience in the five other Children's Miracle
Network member hospitals we support," said Michael Hilliard, Senior
Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Canada. "Youth need to be better prepared
for the future and we are dedicated to youth empowerment and our goal
is to make sure hospitalized children are connected with their family
and friends and have creative tools to get their minds back on having
fun. CLICK is a program we strongly believe in."
"Access to technology and electronic entertainment systems like the ones
provided by the CLICK program helps provide patients at SickKids with
the opportunity to interact with their friends and family and engage in
therapeutic activities with the support of a Child Life Specialist,
while serving as a welcome distraction from the painful reality of
disease and injury," says Adrian Horwood, Vice President of Corporate
Partnerships at SickKids Foundation. "Microsoft's generous commitment
to help facilitate this will help staff at SickKids continue to offer a
sense of normalcy to children and their families during a very
difficult time."
"Corporate partners like Microsoft Canada help form the backbone of
support for children's healthcare," said John Hartman, Chief Operating
Officer, Children's Miracle Network. "Microsoft Canada does not simply
cut a cheque - the company unleashes its talent as well, which makes
CLICK an invaluable program that helps children get better."
Fast Facts
Since its first hospital launch in 2005, Microsoft Canada has
financially supported the implementation of the CLICK program at five
other Children's Miracle Network member hospitals:
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Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, Ontario)
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Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec)
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Alberta Children's Hospital (Calgary, Alberta)
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IWK Health Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
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McMaster Children's Hospital (Hamilton, Ontraio)
Microsoft Canada's CLICK program includes the donation of a variety of
technology including:
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Xbox Kinect Games
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Xbox One
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Laptops installed with Skype, HD cameras and Microsoft Movie Maker
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Windows Surface Tablets
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TV with DVD player
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Microsoft HD webcams
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Headsets
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Digital Cameras
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Projectors
About SickKids Foundation
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable
funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada.
Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids -- one of the
world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions. For the fiscal
year ending March 31, 2013, SickKids Foundation made an unprecedented
investment of $92.6 million in children's health, a direct result of
generous community and corporate support. For more information, please
visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com.
About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals,
14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money
where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the
community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since
1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised tens of millions of dollars
for children's healthcare most of it $1 at a time. These donations have
gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment,
and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save
and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of
Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing,
consulting and local support services in both French and English.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional
offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great
software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information
on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
SOURCE Microsoft Canada Inc.
