The Foundation Theodora is a recognized public utility organization dedicated to the well-being of hospitalized children or those in specialized institutions. The foundation’s objective is to brighten the daily lives of these children by offering moments of laughter and joy through visits from professional artists called “Giggle Doctors.”

“Théodora” was the name of the founders’ mother, Jan and André Poulie. After her passing, the two brothers decided to create the foundation in her memory as a tribute to her humor and positive attitude. These character traits continue to be a great source of inspiration for the Giggle Doctors.

The Foundation Theodora was founded in 1993 on the initiative of the brothers Jan and André Poulie, in memory of their mother, Théodora. During his childhood, André Poulie spent several months hospitalized following an accident. The regular visits from his mother, her humor, and her zest for life brought him comfort and joy, distracting him from the daily routine of the hospital.

The Foundation Theodora in Hong Kong employs 7 Giggle Doctors who visit hospitalized children every week throughout Hong Kong. These fun and lovable characters focus their activities on the child, involving them in a performance where they are the center, creating magical and poetic moments of interaction. This subtle and adapted approach helps bring smiles to the children and their families.

Each year, the 7 Giggle Doctors of the Foundation Theodora make over 10,000 individual visits to children in hospitals. Each establishment has regular visiting days during the week.

The Foundation Theodora is primarily funded through private donations. It also receives support from partner companies. The Foundation does not seek government grants or financial support from the hospitals and institutions visited by its artists. More information can be found in the “partners” section.

Local Partner companies support the Foundation Theodora through annual contributions which are entirely allocated to its primary mission, visits to hospitalized children. Our administrative costs which are very low and represent only around 10% of our annual budget, are covered by our main Foundation in Switzerland.

No, the Giggle Doctors are professional artists who are remunerated by Foundation Theodora for their visits to hospitals. The work of the Giggle Doctor is demanding and requires intensive training provided by the Foundation, supplemented annually with further development courses.

The mission of the Giggle Doctors requires essential human qualities and artistic skills related to the world of entertainment (magic, theater, music, pantomime, etc.). These prerequisites are complemented by training organized by Foundation Theodora.

The Giggle Doctors are professional artists trained and supervised by the Foundation Theodora. Training sessions are organized according to the needs of the field. Incorporating theory and practice, this one-year curriculum is carried out in close collaboration with experts from various disciplines. The theoretical part includes various artistic workshops and courses. Artists acquire essential knowledge for the role of Giggle Doctors, such as the rules and functioning of a hospital, child psychology, the field of disabilities, etc. This preparation sensitizes the artists to the hospital environment and the difficult situations that children and families may face. During the practical part, future Giggle Doctors already make visits to children in hospitals.