To be sick is not funny at all, even more so as a child. In the context of the celebrations of our 20 th anniversary and the initiative “ 20 years, 20 causes ”, Luz Saúde gives its support to Operação Nariz Vermelho (Operation Red Nose): acquiring 1,500 red noses that will be distributed among children and collaborators in Paediatric consultation and inpatient service, in the units of Hospital da Luz network. Operação Nariz Vermelho is a private social solidarity institution (IPSS), with the mission to bring some joy to hospitalized children, their families and health professionals. Since 2002, it has been continuously offering an intervention program in Portuguese hospitals’ paediatric services, through visits by professional clowns, the Doctor Clowns. These performers get specialized training in hospital environment and operate in close collaboration with health professionals, making performances adequate to each child and situation. It is the responsibility of the IPSS to train and ensure the quality of the performers, whose work is paid – and in that sense, it raises funds near the community through donations from individuals and corporations, merchandising and campaigns based on the sale of the famous “red noses”. Presently, Operação Nariz Vermelho ensures weekly visits to 17 hospitals covered by its program. The team of performers is composed of 25 Doctor Clowns, with about 16 professionals working backstage. The dream of Operação Nariz Vermelho is “ to bring joy to an increasing number of hospitalized children ” – asking, for that purpose, the contribution of all. In Luz Saúde, we also put our “red noses” on for this cause.
