The Shield Initiative is a project dedicated to crafting custom-designed wooden shields for hospital IV poles, bringing comfort and joy to children undergoing medical treatment.
Each shield is a unique work of art, designed to help creating a more positive hospital experience.
Our goal is to continue making a difference through creativity, supporting children in need, and expanding the project to reach even more hospitals.
The Shield Initiative Club
We are a team of high school students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children undergoing medical treatment.
We produce, paint and deliver custom-designed wooden platform (shaped like shields) shields that sit on the base of hospital IV poles, for pediatric patients.
This gives our little heroes the freedom to move around, explore, and play, while receiving treatment.
Our shields are inspired by kids movies and TV series, bringing a touch of magic and joy to the hospital environment.
The shields we created
Shield designs are inspired by kids movies and TV series
Among Us
Bluey
The Incredibles
Mario
Moana
Mulan
The Powerpuff Girls
Rapunzel
Spirited Away
Princess Mononoke
Credit: The shields in this picture were created by the Shield Initiative Club members at Westmount CI, under my leadership. It was a team effort, and each member contributed to the project! Unfortunately, due to privacy regulations, I can't publish their pictures, but it is important to mention that they all deserve the credit for their hard work.
"The Shield Initiative" brings colour and fun to sick kids.
Students from Westmount Collegiate Institute in Thornhill have taken on a special project – create a board that fits under an IV pole for a child to sit on or to carry around their belongings.
“My son was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2014,” said Shield Initiative founder Ilan Danjoux. “Once my son went through the process, one of the first things I wanted to do was give back to the many individuals and organizations that helped us.”
The project known as the Shield Initiative gives children the freedom to move and explore whether at home or in hospital.
My Role as the Club Leader
The Shield Initiative Club was originally founded by Ilan Danjoux to create custom-designed shields for hospital IV poles to bring comfort to children in healthcare environments. Over time, the club gained popularity, formed partnerships with several organizations, and hosted events both in and out of school.
Unfortunately, the initiative faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and leadership changes caused the club to lose momentum. When I learned about this, I felt strongly connected to the mission and decided to step up as a leader.
After the previous leaders unexpectedly stepped down, I found myself rebuilding the club from scratch, with only half a year left and a small but passionate team of 12 students. Despite the challenges, we successfully produced 10 shields and established meaningful connections, including with Chai Lifeline, who were thrilled to receive our work.
Today, my focus is on expanding the Shield Initiative Club, bringing in new members, and ensuring that future generations can continue this meaningful work. Following last year's success the club has grown to +60 members and also gained greater support from the school and from our partners.
As the leader of the Shield Initiative Club, I am responsible for managing the team, organizing meetings, coordinating the shield-making process and working closely with our partners to deliver the shields to the children.
I lead the team in brainstorming ideas, designing the shields, and painting them with precision and care.
I also work on building partnerships with organizations like Sick Kids, Chai Lifeline, and OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer) and promoting the club through social media and local news outlets.
I am proud of the impact we've made so far, and I'm excited to continue expanding the project and reaching more children in need.