While we don't need science to tell us that laughing is great, it's still a proven fact that a case of the giggles releases endorphins and helps relieve stress. Bringing that idea to some of the most war-torn countries in the world, Clowns Without Borders aren't fighting fire with fire, they're fighting fire with the funnies. Ahead of their fundraiser with Thom Foole's House party this December in London, we spoke to one of the founders:
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Tell us about Clowns Without Borders and where it all started?
Clowns Without Borders create joyful experiences for children living in some of the most hostile circumstances in the world. This year we’ve shared performances with thousands of children living in refugee camps in Northern Greece and Turkey. Our role is to remind children, in the worst of circumstances, that it’s OK to be a child. We believe every child has the right to a childhood full of laughter and play, regardless of their circumstances.
Clowns Without Borders was invented by children. No adult would ever come up with the idea of sending clowns into a refugee camp! It began in response to the Yugoslav War in 1993. A pen-pal project was set up between children in Spain and children in refugee camps in Croatia and these children wrote that the thing they missed the most was going to birthday parties. The children in Spain set about raising money to send a clown to visit them. The rest as they say, is history. I set up the UK chapter in 2014.
Clowns Without Borders lighten the load of conflict in war-torn countries with laughs and colour instead.
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You call Clowns Without Borders a ‘social circus’, what other 5 words best describe the charity?
Essential, Playful, Fun, Brave, Resourceful.
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What has been your greatest moment since starting Clowns Without Borders?
This year I met a seven-year old boy called Ahmed whilst delivering clown workshops in Istanbul. He’s a Syrian refugee and he’s been separated from his mother and baby-brother. He told me, “Now I have something to look forward to, ever day I wait to come here,”. Knowing this work can enrich the lives of children, who’ve already been through so much is incredibly humbling.
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You’re working with Thom Foole’s House Party on a comedy fundraiser this December, what can guests expect on the night?
An evening of comedy and clowning storytelling, mischief and party games! Think character comedy acts, cabaret performances and DJ’s. The best thing of all, you’ll be helping us reach more children like Ahmed in 2017.
Thom Foole's House Party are raising funds to help support Clowns Without Borders this Christmas.
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What will the money you raise in conjunction with Thom Foole’s House Party be going towards?
We are currently planning our 2017 tours and it’s because of events like this we are able to bring emotional respite and relief to even more refugee children living through incredible hardship. All our clowns donate their expertise for free so in January, we will visit the refugee camps around Athens and any funds we raise will go towards this and three more projects to camps in Europe and the Middle East.
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What are the three best things about being a clown?
Making people laugh. Not taking yourself too seriously. The amazing people I meet by doing this work.
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Tell us one thing that’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
I’m biased but it’s working with the clowns who volunteer with us, of course!
Want to help support the work of Clowns Without Borders and enjoy a few laughs along the way? Then why not buy your tickets to the Christmas Fundraiser in conjunction with Thom Foole's House Party. The event takes place on Monday 12th December and tickets cost just £7.
