***Closing Operations****

On March 15th, we closed our doors at Plasticity thinking we’d be returning after March break but as it turns out we were closing the doors for the last time. The Smile Epidemic Inc. was founded in 2013 with a vision to develop technology to help make the world a happier place, and a mission of helping people understand and develop the psychological character traits that predict healthier, happier lives. Over the years, Plasticity Labs worked with over 150 organizations to help improve the health and happiness of their employees, and The HERO Generation helped to improve the health and happiness of thousands of students and educators.

We are so grateful for the many positive lessons we have learned, the data we were able to collect and share, and the opportunity to educate so many people on the science of happiness. There were many other lessons that we learned along the way – perhaps less positive, but no less important, and we are grateful for those, too. All these lessons have allowed us to empathize on a deeper level with every small business and every other start-up trying to change the world in one way or another. The start-up community invests so much time and energy in their ideas and services, often at the expense of their own health and happiness. We should all be grateful for the sacrifices they make to fuel our economy, especially during hard times like this.

But the people are the most important part of any journey, and we are particularly grateful to the people who have joined this journey with us along the way. Over 50 exceptional people have joined us on our mission, going above and beyond as employees, volunteers, or contractors to fuel shared mission. Our investors gave us their trust to try something new and took a risk on us and our mission. The Wilfrid Laurier Launchpad, the Accelerator Centre, and Communitech all played a big part in nurturing us, cheering us on, and letting us become a part of their amazing communities.

And of course – to our customers. We have worked with so many amazing people, looking to do something to make their workplace, organization, or school a better place. That takes a lot of courage and we’re grateful for each of you. You are true pioneers.

When we look around our Region, we see people sharing gratitude often and using terms like hope, optimism, and mindfulness as a part of their everyday language. Our hope was to increase people’s understanding and application of these traits and I am confident that we were able to impact their growth in our region – in people’s workplaces, schools, homes, and communities.

While this is a sad announcement to share, Plasticity Labs was only a company. And ideas are far bigger. Thousands of organizations will close during this crisis, but the people and their desire to do good will find new ways to answer the needs of their communities. We are no different. The Smile Epidemic Inc. is closing but our people, their passions, and their personal missions will carry on.

Please forward any enquires to support@plasticitylabs.com.

With humility and gratitude,

Jim Moss

Chief Happiness Officer

The Smile Epidemic Inc.