Red Nose Remedy receives support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation!
July 31, 2023
TORONTO, ON – After a tumultuous year signalled by the passing of Red Nose Remedy’s founder, award-winning clown Helen Donnelly, the organization received a $23,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant was used to regain their footing and build resilience in the face of such monumental changes, including the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“This Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will have a significant impact on our community,” said Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina—Fort York. “Red Nose Remedy has been providing joy and laughter to over 1,000 children and seniors in hospitals and long-term care homes across Toronto. Thanks to this grant, they will be able to continue their great work in our community.”
Thanks to OTF, Red Nose Remedy has been able to undertake a much-needed strategic planning process helmed by Janis A. Barlow & Associates. Together, Janis and her team will help define the organisation in the wake of this new reality. They will also perform a much-needed internal audit of diversity, equity and inclusion practices as well as prioritising anti-oppression training.
“We’ve been researching the efficacy and best practices of digital programming and networking with sites outside the GTA. We will soon be able to expand our services to reach farther across Ontario. Not only that, but we have increased the quality of our internal staff support programs: including regular ongoing continued artistic, psychosocial and industry-specific training through collaborating with our peer organisations across North America. With the help of this grant, we have been able to fulfill the requirements to become a member of the North American Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organizations (NAFHCO),” said Executive Director, Andrew Gaboury.
“Red Nose Remedy's mission to spread joy and healing through therapeutic clowning is inspiring. We are proud of their growth and the positive impact they will undoubtedly continue to create in University-Rosedale and beyond,” said Jessica Bell, MPP for University-Rosedale.
Red Nose Remedy offers therapeutic clowning services to people accessing care and community support, helping to combat isolation and provide much needed connection, joy and humour to otherwise difficult situations. If you want to learn more about the practice of therapeutic clowning, please visit www.rednoseremedy.ca
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Acknowledging the loss of Helen Donnelly
We want to acknowledge the loss of our teacher, mentor, supporter, founder of Red Nose Remedy and friend, Helen Donnelly on January 6th, 2022.
Our hearts ache.
But our work continues on.
There have been many tributes shared over social media, including from colleagues all across the globe. We feel honoured to be part of such a caring community. We at Red Nose Remedy have come together to share stories and collectively grieve while upholding her teachings and the mission of this organization.
Helen dreamed of training a new generation of therapeutic clowns and elevating the practice in Canada to global standards. Honouring her passion, dedication, and integrity in keeping with established best practices remains at the heart of Red Nose Remedy.
We continue to serve our clients, multiple times a week, as we navigate this moment of transition.
Thank you for everything, Helen.
Red Nose Remedy has gone virtual!
In keeping with these COVID times, we have transitioned our services temporarily to 'Virtual Visits'.
What does this mean? You still get two clowns who visit with every client, but we are using devices such as IPads to connect clowns to client. We are thrilled to report this service is still working its magic: our clients and their caregivers are relieved to still access our unique brand of humour, lightness and joy at a time when many are struggling with loneliness and boredom.
If you would like to learn more about this unique service, please contact us at info@rednoseremedy.ca