CommBank is celebrating 25 years of smiles as a foundation partner of the Clown Doctors, a national program that provides millions of ‘doses’ of fun and laughter to 21 hospitals and one children’s palliative care facility.
As a founding partner, CommBank has been a proud supporter of the Clown Doctors since 1999. The Clown Doctors is The Humour Foundation’s flagship program – bringing the many benefits of laughter to hospital wards across the country, aiming to brighten the days of sick kids, carers and staff in hospitals. The expertly trained and highly skilled Clown Doctors work in partnership with medical and healthcare professionals to alleviate stress and social isolation, improving outcomes in what is often a stressful and unfamiliar environment.
To launch Smile Month – the Bank’s key Clown Doctors fundraising initiative – CommBank invited one of Australia’s best comedians and children’s entertainers, Jimmy Rees, to be a Clown Doctor for the day, visiting young patients and their families at the Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Rees was honoured with a Red Nose Induction Ceremony to mark the occasion.
Rees, who became a household name with children’s television program Giggle and Hoot, knows firsthand how important the Clown Doctors work is after his nephew received care from the Clown Doctors during a hospital stay.
“The Clown Doctors are incredible people. In hospital, patients and their families are going through some of the hardest experiences they’ve ever had to go through, and they need a bit of respite.
“My nephew Rye was in hospital for many years, and I know first-hand how important laughter is to getting people through tough times. I also really noticed while I was a children’s entertainer that if kids are laughing, everyone’s laughing.
“It was an absolute honour to join the ranks of the Clown Doctors for the day and see first-hand the joy they bring to families, and I hope their work can continue for years to come.”
