A major partnership for Child Life was celebrated as Kythe and members of the Telus Community Board gathered for a turnover of funds event held last June 25, 2014 at the Dusit International Hotel. After a deliberation process, the thrust of Kythe’s flagship Adopt-a-Hospital campaign was judged to be in line with the goals of the Community Board’s corporate philanthropy model, one that is based on positive, sustainable changes to different organizations for arts and culture, education and sport, health and well-being in our environment.
At the community level—within the hospital, and involving all of its stakeholders—Kythe was able to utilize the Community Board’s funds to achieve crucial success in the delivery of health services in the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
In particular, Kythe notes the Telus fund to have been valuable in retaining the Child Life Coordinators in PCMC (the Child Life Coordinators being responsible for implementing the Child Life Program and its services); increasing the compliance of patients in their medical treatment and improving their chances of survival—as well as providing opportunities to learn about their illness and fully prepare for procedures; and establishing a strong support system for parents and guardians by addressing their emotional needs.
In measuring the impact of the Telus grant in creating and sustaining positive change, Kythe reports to have served 1,537 patients by giving them access to the Kythe playroom; holding Celebrate Life Parties; and involving them in volunteer activities such as arts and crafts and storytelling. In the provision of specific Child Life services, the Child Life Coordinators were able to follow PETALS (Play; Education about the illness; Tend to emotional well-being of patient and caregiver; Assist during medical procedures; Lend medical support; and Support parent involvement) to a total of 679 priority patients, exceeding their original target of 540 in only 3 months.
The patients and families of PCMC have been grateful for the steady support afforded by the partnership, and have given positive feedback on a number of Adopt-a-Hospital’s benefits, such as the transportation subsidy and the constant presence of the Child Life Coordinators.
Telus International Philippines corporate social responsibility philosophy “we give where we live” has truly been applied in their support of the Child Life Program. In sharing a vision to create and sustain lasting impact at the community level, Kythe and Telus have thus celebrated a meaningful partnership for positive change.