Ollie Pale and the Therapeutic Clown Program
Who is Ollie Pale?
Ollie Pale is the Therapeutic Clown at Children’s Hospital. He is a witty, magical, and humourous non-medical staff member who interacts with children and their families during their stay in hospital.
Roaming the halls at Children’s, Ollie is easily identified by his bowler hat, tacky and unusual ties, and distinguished red nose. Using creativity, imagination and a quick mind Ollie provides the children with moments of relaxation and freedom from stress – he encourages them to play. Peeking around corners and appearing magically wherever children can be found. By providing moments of relaxation and freedom from stress, Ollie is an unexpected relief within the boundaries of a health care environment.
Ollie Pale provides the children with a sense of empowerment, while giving them the chance to play, laugh and have fun. Kids shouldn’t have to stop being kids just because they’re sick.
What is a Therapeutic Clown?
Therapeutic Clowns are non-medical staff members in the hospital who bring play, fun and laughter to children and their families during their stay. Unlike circus or party clowns, the Therapeutic Clown works mainly on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. There is no set act or routine. Spontaneity and creativity are key elments for this clown.
The Therapeutic Clown is the unexpected element within the hospital, providing a break from the steady flow of medical business, and encouraging children to be children for a while. The Clown empowers paediatric patients and their siblings to lead the play and to have fun.
Where can I find Ollie?
Ollie is at Children’s Hospital four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. In the morning you wil find him in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit (out-patient). In the afternoon he can be found on the 7th floor paediatric in-patient wings.
Throughout the day Ollie also visits Children’s Emergency, and upon request he will visit Paediatric Day Surgery and the Paediatric Critical Care Unit.
Wherever children can be found because of medical reasons, Ollie is willing to venture. He has worked with acute, chronic, and palliative patients and their families – bringing smiles and laughter to them all.
The Therapeutic Clown Program at Children’s
The Therapeutic Clown program at Children’s Hospital began in January 2004 with grant funding from the Therapeutic Clowns of Canada. This funding allowed the program to run two days a week. With the help of Children’s Health Foundation, Green Shield Canada and other local donors the program now runs four days a week.
Ollie Pale is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Therapeutic Clowns.
345 Westminster Avenue, London, Ontario, Canada N6C 4V3Phone: (519) 432-8564 | Fax: (519) 432-5907
info@childhealth.ca