Dr Klown is a registered voluntary organisation which was set up in 2011 and works from Mater Dei Hospital, Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre and Gozo General Hospital. It has later evolved into a professional NGO that prides itself in delivering humour. Klown doctors visit children in their hospital beds while they are undergoing treatment. The children, medical staff and family members are all encouraged to join in, should they wish to.

As an NGO it relies on volunteers to deliver smiles and pain relief to little ones and as a result provide patients with a combined dose of fun and laughter.

So where do YOU come into play? Here it comes! The Dr Klown family is getting bigger since it is currently looking to recruit brand new faces, from all walks of life, young and old, who are eager and willing to train and eventually become Klown Doctors. Volunteering knows no age limit so if you are 18 years of age and dedicated, you will be welcome with open arms! You’re never too old to volunteer! All that volunteering requires is a sense of desire to contribute and the commitment to help; both of which know no minimum or maximum age limits. Whether you are a younger or older adult, you have a lot of skills, life experiences and knowledge to bring to the table.

In the inspiring words of Dr Klown’s very own Dr Buttons, a veteran Klown Doctor who started this enriching adventure at the tender age of 63, ten years later, he is convinced that this has been nothing but an inspiring experience. Even though encouraged by family members, he was initially reluctant to apply since he felt he would not qualify for the role of Klown Doctor, seeing himself as a reserved and non-public person.

Whilst undergoing the rigorous selection process and training, he felt he lacked entertainment skills but then excelled in the art of improvisation and this is one of the best attributes that a Klown Doctor can possess! He feels that, regardless of age, there is a little child in each and every one of us. Changing the mood in a hospital ward and experiencing the laughter of a child in pain, together with the joy of the child’s parents, is worth every effort in hospital clowning. He continues by saying that every hospital klowning visit reinforces his determination and commitment to return at the earliest opportunity he gets! He feels that his and the fellow Klown Doctors’ energy level

during clowning are incredible notwithstanding that sessions can be both physically and mentally exhausting. However, he insists that being a Klown Doctor is incredibly rewarding.

Recruitment of Klown Doctors will take place on Saturday, 29th April at 9am at the Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa in St Julian’s. During this recruitment event there will be an assessment of participants covering personality and artistic traits amongst others.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the main purpose of people volunteering with Dr Klown is that of bettering lives, even if for a short while. Alleviating pain and shifting focus from a difficult or painful situation gives meaning to why Dr Klown exists as an organisation. Klown Doctors volunteer because they commonly embrace passion, altruism, and empathy. All this commitment, love and care which is a distinctive characteristic of this voluntary organisation, creates human connection in a trusting, meaningful and innovative way eager in making a difference to the life of young patients.

Being part of Dr Klown will enable you to learn new skills and share your talents. If you want to share some of your free time volunteering with Dr Klown, rest assured that being part of this big family, will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. If you have a passion for volunteering and interacting, Dr Klown can help you put this into action. If you want to make a difference, join Dr Klown on the 29th of April.

Registration for the event is necessary. Kindly fill in the online application that can be found on the contact page of the Dr Klown website here.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said:

‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’.

Connection and Solidarity are two of the most essential purposes of us human beings and, once you get involved, you will realise that Dr Klown is truly the essence of this since volunteering is a work of HEART!

#MaltaDaily