When Carole Fawcett had a middle-of-the-night inspiration about a group of clowns who would visit patients at the hospital she had no idea that therapeutic clowns already existed in some cities. She had not done any clowning either. But she did know about the value of humour in stress release and she had spent more than her share of time in lonely hospital beds.

She quickly found a clown to learn from and the two of them trained the first Kalamalka Caring Klowns in 1999. Since then the group has grown to about 25 and Fawcett and fellow clown Doris Bensmiller (aka Flower and Bubbles) have trained groups in Kelowna, Saskatoon and Regina. KCK meets once a month to create a schedule for visitation at the hospital and nursing homes, meeting as a large group for such events as the Winter Carnival Parade.

Now Fawcett attributes her good health to the clowning and she can explain scientifically how the laughter in her life has healed her body and can do so for others. In fact she does just that in workshops and consultations through her business, called A Funny Business.
"Caring Clowns attracts people who have walked through challenges themselves," said Fawcett. "They are usually sensitive and compassionate and they care about humanity. This is their way of giving back."

She describes how they may introduce themselves to the nurse on duty by asking if she needs a hand and then tossing a large foam hand onto the desk. "It always gets a smile," she said. They always ask for permission before entering a room and nine times out of ten they get it. Their visit shifts how the patient is thinking, taking it away from their discomfort for a while.

"It's been proven that happiness and laughter boost your immune system," she said. "I turned around Fibro Myalgia and high blood pressure because of my change in attitude."

Andy Mather was not sick, but looking for a way to challenge himself when he began clowning five or six years ago. They thing that convinced him was a description of what it is like to be in hospital. He thought it would be an opportunity to give back for his good health.

"The clown costume and face is a bit of a mask," he said. "It allows you to be more open. Occasionally you run into people you know and they don't know you. That's fun. You're not necessarily there to put on a show, but to observe who (the patients) are. Sometimes they jump in and play with you. They enjoy the change of pace from what they're going through."

Mather wishes there were more men involved and advises any man considering therapeutic clowning, "If you feel you've been fortunate it's a good way to give back. It's very rewarding. And it's a good way to relieve stress you might have in your working life."

The workshops being held September 22 - 24 are very comprehensive, with a focus on the therapeutic aspect. Specific skills such as juggling are taught later at mini-workshops or meetings. Check out Fawcett's website, www.afunnybusiness.ca, and Kalamalka Caring Klowns at www.kalamalkacaringclowns.com .

2006-09/Lynn Dewing