Clowning Around For A Cause

Clowns Without Borders is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization catering specifically to children who are living in refugee areas during times of crisis. They put on different circus performances and workshops to help children enjoy themselves and cope with what they are living through.

Clowns Without Borders was founded in July 1993 by Tortell Poltrona, a professional clown in Spain. He was invited to perform at a refugee camp in Croatia where the audience was filled with more than 700 children. Tortell decided to build the organization after he saw what a difference he could make by helping children laugh through hard times. By 2000, Clowns Without Borders had put on over 100 shows.

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Via theguardian.com

Wacky makeup, brightly patterned costumes and accordion-playing clowns are sure to bring smiles to kids; even those who have gone through truly traumatic experiences.

Via unhcr.org

Via news.bbc.co.uk

Delhi, India

Via clownswithoutborders.org

They have worked with children defined as juveniles living in observation houses and who are considered in conflict with the law.

Via clownswithoutborders.org

Via clownswithoutborders.org

Clowns Without Borders working with the Crèches and Daycare Centres where they care for children of itinerant workers at construction sites and in slums.

Syrian Refugees

Via thestar.com.my

Clowns Without Borders is partnering with Layan organization in Lebanon to share laughter with the Syrian refugees.

Via thestar.com.my

Via thestar.com.my

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Via vice.com

Via vice.com

Via vice.com

Clowns Without Borders now operates out of nine different countries: Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and the United States.

Sources: Clowns Without Borders, Chicago Tribune, Syria Deeply, Children of Syria