News

For children in hospital, laughter isn’t just a distraction – it’s a form of medicine. Thanks to Hyundai Help for Kids, our Clown Doctors can continue to bring light and connection to those who need it most through The Clown Nose Project.

At The Humour Foundation, we know that real impact comes from collective effort; community is at the heart of everything we do. The individuals who give what they can, the volunteers who dedicate their time, and the everyday supporters who share our message all play a vital role in bringing laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.

At The Humour Foundation, we witness the magic of laughter every day. A shared giggle, a playful moment, or a burst of joy can transform hospital corridors and aged care facilities, bringing comfort to those facing some of life’s toughest moments. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our funders, whose support ensures that our Clown Doctors and Laughter Care programs continue to reach those who need them most.

Laughter and play are powerful tools, especially in a hospital setting. We sat down with Clown Doctor Dr Whoops-a-Daisy (Kayla Hamill) to talk about their journey, the impact of their work, and why Clown Doctors are an essential part of healthcare.

At The Humour Foundation, we believe in the power of laughter and connection to enhance well-being, especially in aged care settings. That’s why we’ve been collaborating with Deborah Keys, CEO of Bankstown City Aged Care, to develop training that empowers staff with the skills to improve social care alongside physical care.

Hospital visits can be overwhelming—especially for children facing medical procedures. The Pre-Admission Resource Centre (PARC) Clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) is designed to help families prepare for upcoming admissions, but even with the best medical care, stress and anxiety can still run high. That’s where the Clown Doctors come in—bringing laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.

Fifteen-year-old Ruby and her younger brother share a very rare, undiagnosed genetic condition, the long-term prognosis of which is unknown. As a result of her condition, Ruby has cerebral palsy and is mostly non-speaking, using single words and gestures to communicate. In her short life, she has undergone numerous procedures, including lumbar punctures, respiratory and orthopaedic surgery, lower limb Botox injections, MRI scans, blood tests, sleep studies and ECGs. 

From the laughter-filled corridors of hospitals to the Hyundai-gifted LOL Express van that has travelled all over Australia, over the past 10 years, Hyundai Help For Kids has helped The Humour Foundation bring countless moments of joy, laughter, and connection to children and families across Australia. Let’s take a look at the highlights.

Over the past few months, our Laughter Care program has demonstrated the power of humour and connection in two significant ways—through a special visit from the Governor-General to one of our partner facilities and the continued success of our Playfulness in Care workshop. These initiatives highlight our commitment to enhancing well-being and fostering meaningful connections in the communities we serve.

With your special gift, The Humour Foundation can continue to safeguard the future of our programs and deliver the health benefits of humour to thousands of families for years to come. You can include us in your Will in many ways including a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate or allocating the residual or percentage of your estate after your bequests to your loved ones have been distributed.