"The association is doing better than ever" was the conclusion drawn by Georges Bock, President of Ile aux Clowns, at a review of the organisation's efforts in 2015 held yesterday in Luxembourg City.

Ile aux Clowns, which was started in 2013, aims to put smiles on the faces of patients in hospitals and other care facilities and in so doing improve the quality of life and living environment in these structures.

"We have, from the very beginning, received tremendous support from the general public, which has reinforced our decision to embark on this adventure," stated Georges Bock. "It is with great pleasure, but also with gratitude, that we have see public support continue to increase. The continued and renewed suppot of our donors has allowed us to expand our team of hospital clowns in June 2014, with the recruitment of two additional hospital clowns."

Six clowns are now engaged with the association, and together with the support of its donors, volunteers and five founding organisations, Ile aux Clowns was able to perform nearly 900 free visits a month to 10,680 people spread across 21 structures established in Luxembourg. Although, as was pointed out by Ile aux Clowns Treasurer Fabio Secci, donations fell compared with 2014, the recognition obtained in 2015 by the association as an institute of public interest should allow it to expand funding from donors and companies alike into the new year.

Oher changes will include the strengthening of the team to incorporate a Director and at least two hospital Clowns in 2016, with George Bock explaining: "The needs are enormous." The President was confident that donors would continue to offer their support over the next twelve months.

"Since summer 2013, we have been volunteers with the Ile aux Clowns association," explained Jacques Fautsch, Claude Mosar and Loll Drees. "During the various events in which we participate, we are regularly confronted with spontaneous reactions and thanks from the public which shows us every time the importance of the work of hospital clowns."

President Georges Bock invited all those interested in supporting Ile aux Clowns or in finding out more about volunteering opportunities to attend the improvisation show 'Voyage' which will be performed by clowns under the direction of Eva Paulin on 30 and 31 January and 1 February 2016 at the Abbaye de Neumünster and on 3 February 2016 at Artikuss in Belvaux.

Mr. Bock concluded the conference by thanking, on behalf of the Board of Directors, the clowns and beneficiaries, those without whom the association's dream would not have become a reality, including founders Clifford Chance, Fondation Kriibskrank Kamnner, Help, KPMG, Servior and sponsors.

"This is not a fairy tale but a true story," Georges Bock commented.

To make a financial contribution, fill out a money transfer to the account LU36 0019 4155 3263 5000, bank ID BCEE. To get involved as a volunteer or to submit a proposal for your own fund-raising idea, contact Coordinator Joëlle Golinski at +352 27 47 82 90 or info@ileauxclowns.lu. Additional information can be found ar www.ileauxclowns.lu. 

 

Photo by Ile aux Clowns