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Kiwanis puts the play in playrooms
July 28, 2022
Kiwanis Club of Richmond president presents check to CHoR president Elias Neujahr

    If there’s one thing to know about the Kiwanis Club of Richmond, it’s that they take their mission of supporting children seriously. And while that’s true, Kiwanis’ latest donation to Children’s Hospital Foundation is all fun and games.

    Bringing comfort to kids in the hospital through play

    Through its own Kiwanis Foundation, the club has awarded a $50,000 grant to fund a playroom in the new Children’s Tower. The Kiwanis grant is paid out over five years and is intended to recognize the club’s decades-long partnership with the hospital. As an organization solely focused on the betterment of Richmond-area youth, Kiwanis is proud to support one aspect of the patient experience that’s sure to bring a smile to children’s faces.

    “We’re here to support children, especially when they need us most,” said Bruce Tyler, Kiwanis Club of Richmond president. “Children in health care environments need areas where they can play, have fun and use their imaginations. We are excited to be able to fund a playroom in gratitude for all the outstanding pediatric care that Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU offers.”  

    The new Children’s Tower will include several age-appropriate playrooms on different floors of the 16-story building, which will allow for evidence-based play that heals and comforts kids. The rooms will be designed to help children feel safe and relaxed while at the hospital and to remain connected with their home life through play.

    Staffed by certified child life specialists, the playrooms are specially planned to appeal to kids of all ages. For younger children, there are options like coloring, building blocks, reading and more. Adolescents and teens will find places to relax, listen to music, read, play video games and craft.

    “Our relationship with the Kiwanis Club of Richmond has stood the test of time and we’re so grateful for its ongoing support,” said Lauren Moore, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This group is wholeheartedly in it for the kids and Richmond is fortunate to have such a thriving, generous Kiwanis chapter doing so much good for the community.”

    Two organizations with deep histories of caring for kids

    Santa at a Kiwanis Club Christmas party at CHoRBoth Kiwanis Club of Richmond and CHoR got their starts more than 100 years ago. During that period, the two organizations have teamed up time and time again on a number of important events and initiatives. For years, Kiwanis Club of Richmond held the annual holiday party for patients at CHoR.

    Kiwanis Club of Richmond has a knack for bringing uplifting moments to kids and families at CHoR and the new playrooms are a perfect embodiment of the mission and values of Kiwanis.

    Discover more about the new Children’s Tower, set to open in spring 2023.

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