The Therapeutic Clown Program
Established in 1993, The Therapeutic Clown Program at SickKids provides patients and families with therapeutic clown care, using spontaneous humour and gentle play to minimize stress during hospitalization and treatment. Working under the umbrella of the hospital’s Department of Child Life, therapeutic clowns collaborate closely with Child Life Specialists, and other members of the inter-professional teams to develop therapeutic strategies within the SickKids model of family-centered care.
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A hospital can be an overwhelming place for a child. It is often the first time a child is away from home - away from the familiarity of family and routine. Now, their comfortable bed and familiar nightlight are replaced with strange, blinking lights and weird, beeping noises. In hospital, a child wants to know who the people are coming in and out of their room and do they have a needle? Fear of the new and unknown contributes to the perception of the hospital as a frightening place.
Imagine how different a child’s hospital experience might be if the next person to come to their room was wearing a red nose and a funny looking hat. Instead of giving needles, the therapeutic clowns ask if they would like to play. If the child says ‘yes’, then the fun begins and a child can do what is normal and natural to them - play.
A therapeutic clown at SickKids can become a “constant” for a child; a stable being who comes back again and again. A clown can become a child’s confidante, playmate and friend, offering comfort and emotional support at a time when children and their families need it most. Therapeutic clowning is an innovative and effective therapy and like laughter is contagious. It can also be a vital part of a child’s recovery.
The Therapeutic Clown Program at SickKids provides approximately 15 000 patient visits per year. A. Leboo, Bunky, Clutter, Doko, Lubee, Mary Sunshine, Mosca, Nuula, Rose and Tushkin visit patients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on in-patient floors 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and in IGT, MRI, Emergency and many out-patient clinics.
This unique program relies solely on the generous donations of caring individuals, foundations and corporations. We receive no funding from the operating budget of the hospital. The program relies on its’ own annual fundraising initiatives and receives in-kind services from both SickKids and SickKids Foundation.
How you can support the Therapeutic Clown Program at SickKids
- Host an event at your home or office!
- Bring clown nose day to your children’s school!
- Become a monthly donor!
- Tell your friends about us!
Each year, people from all walks of life come to our program asking what they can do to help bring light hearts and healing play to sick children. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be here. If you would like to join our family of friends by hosting an event at your home or office or by bringing Clown Nose Day to your children’s school or community - we can help! Or if you have another idea that could help put smiles on children’s faces, please call Lucia Cino or Susan Riddell at 416-813-6629. Your help will make a lasting difference in the lives of sick and injured children at SickKids.
For more information about supporting the program please see How to donate to our program.
Manager - Lucia Cino
Office Manager - Susan Riddell
Phone: 416-813-6629
Fax: 416-813-5364
e-mail: lucia.cino@sickkids.ca