Congratulations to Barry Avrich, Toronto film maker and advertising executive who had the idea to open a movie theater in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. One million dollars in donations made it all happen. There is now a real honest to goodness 230 seat movie theatre at the hospital. This should bring a welcome relief and diversion to the patients and their families who will have a brief respite from illness and slip into normal life for a few hours. There is even a popcorn machine in the theatre.

The inaugural film was Shrek the Third. The new movie theatre features a state-of-the-art digital and 35 mm projection system with Dolby surround sound. For those patients who cannot come to the theatre, all movies will be broadcast into their rooms via close circuit television. In addition to new releases the theatre will also show family films. All of this is at no cost to the patients and their families. What a wonderful way to brighten up the life of a sick child. Bravo!