Clown Doctors & The Humour Foundation
Posted by: The Fog
30th Nov 2010 10:08am
The only worthwhile Charity that I now support on a regular basis is The Humour Foundation & its core project, the Clown Doctors. A couple of years ago, I saw a couple of the Clown Doctors attending a young girl with cancer & they had her laughing throughout her chemo preparations. It warmed up the cockles of my old heart.
The Humour Foundation, a national charity, was established in 1997 to promote the health benefits of humour. The Clown Doctors programs are established in all major children’s hospitals around Australia. Worldwide research has definitely demonstrated the health benefits of humour.
Clown Doctors attend to the psycho-social needs of the hospitalised child. They cleverly parody the hospital routine to help children adapt to being in a hospital. They distract children during painful or frightening procedures. They dispense doses of fun and laughter and help children forget for a moment that they are ill. Everyone benefits…patients, families and staff. Clown Doctors are highly skilled professionals and work in partnership with health professionals.
If anyone is interested in looking at their website it is http://www.humourfoundation.com.au/
I guess, unintentionally, I am breaking one of the four "Do Not" rules by "advertising" this Charity's existence. They really cannot afford advertising campaigns as, without any form of Government assistance, they rely upon public charity (at least it is tax deductible, I suppose).
The Humour Foundation, a national charity, was established in 1997 to promote the health benefits of humour. The Clown Doctors programs are established in all major children’s hospitals around Australia. Worldwide research has definitely demonstrated the health benefits of humour.
Clown Doctors attend to the psycho-social needs of the hospitalised child. They cleverly parody the hospital routine to help children adapt to being in a hospital. They distract children during painful or frightening procedures. They dispense doses of fun and laughter and help children forget for a moment that they are ill. Everyone benefits…patients, families and staff. Clown Doctors are highly skilled professionals and work in partnership with health professionals.
If anyone is interested in looking at their website it is http://www.humourfoundation.com.au/
I guess, unintentionally, I am breaking one of the four "Do Not" rules by "advertising" this Charity's existence. They really cannot afford advertising campaigns as, without any form of Government assistance, they rely upon public charity (at least it is tax deductible, I suppose).
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Comments 7
pietam6
this is wonderful, and it is not just children who need distracting. Hospitals are not nice places! Regardless of why you are there, even visiting! Humor makes the world go around, and is so important! These people are magic... you are right, this charity should be at the forefront, is it proactive and positive...You could even accuse it of being life-affirming! We should all get behind this one!
monicag8
I like the different ways you can support charities. It's good to be able to give a dollar and gain a sticker, badge, or ribbon in return. It's the way I like it.
CAT17
Good on you The Fog! Clown Doctors are my type of people. I have seen them in action and I must say I think their philosophy of healing through laughter appeals to me . I like Camp Qualit's slogan" laughter is the best medicine". Actually it is true that laughing is good for us. I think that money from government should be allocated to support wonderful people like the Clown Doctors. Why is it always the lack of money that stands in the way of helping people? unneccessary spending by governments never seems a problem, but when it comes to supporting things like the Clown Doctors there is nothing in the budget! I will check out their website.
suzieq
Yep, it just goes to show, money doesn't always buy happiness....... I hope they can keep up the good work without lots of funds.
suzieq
I have to agree with you that the Clown Doctors are doing a great job with our children i hospitals. I work at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth and see them at different areas of the hospital and they are always very happy and cheerful, making the kids laugh and getting them involved in lots of fun play and activities.
The Fog
Thank you suzieq. Sorry to take so lonbg to respond. I only wish that they received more public support. I have seen them makings kids laugh in hospitals in Sydney & Hobart & I admire their dedication & unbelievable sense of fun.
The Fog
Thanks suzieq! As I first came across the Clown Doctors at the Royal Hobart Hospital & then again in Sydney, I find it stimulating that a poorly funded organisatin can still so successfully spread its humour tentacles Oz wide.