Mission
The Theodora Foundation was founded in 1993 with one goal: To give children in hospitals and in institutions for children with disabilities laughter, joy and precious moments of entertainment. Every week, the foundation organises and finances visits by professional artists – the Giggle Doctors – to hospitals and specialist care centers.
With each visit, the Giggle Doctors open a window to the world of imagination of the little patients by spontaneously responding to their individual needs. The children thus find a way back into their world of laughter and play, sometimes with the participation of their parents.
The Theodora Foundation is a founding member of the European Federation of Healthcare Clown Organizations (EFHCO).
History
In memory of their mother Théodora, André and his brother Jan Poulie established the Theodora Foundation in 1993.
Finances
Thanks to the generous support of private donors and partners, thousands of children are visited by the Giggle Doctors every year. Thank you for enabling us to continue our mission.
Organisation
With great personal commitment and passion, each team member is dedicated to brightening the everyday lives of children in hospital with joy and laughter. The team consists of artists, administrative staff and our valued volunteers.
Partners
In order to be able to fulfil its mission with children in hospitals and specialist care centers, the support of our partners is indispensable for the Theodora Foundation. We seek no government subsidies of any kind nor do we request financial support from the hospitals and specialist care centers.
Laughter without borders
Supporting the idea that laughter is universal, the Theodora Foundation Switzerland is at the origin of a network of independent associations and foundations also bearing the name Theodora and acting in the same philosophy. This network is active in three European countries: England, Spain and Italy. Through its «Solidarity Switzerland» program, the Theodora Foundation also partially finances the activities of «cousin» foundations (pursuing the same goal) in Belarus and Hong Kong. Each year, these five foundations make a total of more than 140,000 visits by Giggle Doctors to hospitalized children.
Quality
The Theodora Foundation’s quality objectives aim to meet the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, including children and their families, care staff, donors, partners and members. They are committed to values such as enthusiasm, authenticity and diversity, while guaranteeing the well-being of children in medical facilities and ensuring artistic quality through training and support for artists, as well as close interaction with partners. The Foundation strives for ethical transparency, establishes clear working structures, fosters a supportive working environment and is committed to continuous improvement through feedback, innovation and initiative from all members of the organization.
