The Theodora Foundation was founded in memory of Mrs. Theodora Poulie. She was a woman full of life, humor and love for children. This project started by her sons, Jan and André Poulie, is based on her example.
Jan and André Poulie commenced the activities of the Theodora Foundation with 2 Clown Doctors in April 1993, working for the pediatrics department of the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Switzerland, with the precious help of Doctor Daniel Beck, head of the pediatric oncology service. With his support and valuable advice, Doctors Bobo and Panosse started each Tuesday their visits to children in the surgical and medical wards as well as in the outpatient department.
After the promising start of this project, the Foundation Theodora was established in 1993 in order to offer this approach throughout Switzerland and in December 1993, the Foundation Theodora was acknowledged by a decree from the Swiss authorities as an organization for public service. Since 1993, the Foundation Theodora has expanded in many countries such as England, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Belarus and is active every week in 130 hospitals around the World.
The Foundation Theodora began its mission in Hong Kong in July 1996 and the 1st visit happened at the Queen Mary Hospital. In 2019, The Foundation Theodora is active in 7 hospitals in Hong Kong and provides Clown Doctors visits for an average of 10,000 children per year.
In 2019, The Foundation Theodora is active in 7 hospitals in Hong Kong and provides Clown Doctors visits for an average of 10,000 children per year.
