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Here at Funnies for Families, we like to remind ourselves that laughter is a reflex, not a choice. Often the families we visit don’t expect to laugh, or aren’t in the mood to laugh. Some can’t imagine ever laughing again.
These families are going through hardships that we can’t imagine. Some have a seriously ill child or sibling. Others are displaced due to abuse or housing loss. Some have lost a loved one.
Our goal is to give these families a break – mentally, emotionally and physically. We have seen firsthand the effects of just sitting for half an hour to watch a few goofy comedians perform a comedy show. We aren’t doctors or therapists and we know that comedy shows aren’t medicine, cures or therapy. But taking a break to watch a silly show, sometimes, can do a lot of good for the soul.
We perform free comedy shows at hospitals, shelters, care centers, rehab facilities, camps and other areas where families are going through their hardest times. Our shows are improv comedy – like Whose Line Is It Anyway. Improv is an amazing type of comedy because it is high energy, exciting and once-in-a-lifetime every time. Every show is 100% original and made up on the spot. Best of all, it is funny to the entire family – from infants to grandparents… including teens!
A typical Funnies for Families show is 30 minutes long and features four or more comedians. Our 100+ comedian volunteers are hilarious and highly-qualified. They are commonly featured on stage and screen across Canada and the world.
Our shows are completely respectful of the audience in the venue we travel to and we work hard to avoid any triggering subject matter or references.
Our short-form improv games include opportunities for audience participation. Audience members can come onstage and join in the games with our amazing comedians who guide them through the comedy and allow them to shine.
We also feature workshops, where groups can learn the skills of improv. These skills are incredible tools for people of any age – teaching you to remain open-minding, think on your feet and say “yes, and” to opportunities that come along.
Funnies for Families puts on this programming free for venues with vulnerable populations. We have never charged an organization a fee for performing a comedy show, though some venues have donated to us after a performance.
Our organization relies on donations for operating costs. Our costs include administrative expenses such as software costs, merchandise costs such as t-shirts and stickers, and travel expenses for getting to shows.
Funnies for Families is also available for hire for birthday parties, corporate events and other shows for non-vulnerable populations. These shows aren’t free – however, 50% of the proceeds are donated directly to our organization to be used to reach more families.
Catch up with the latest news from Funnies for Families by reading our blog. Improv games, donor spotlights, volunteer profiles and more!
Funnies for Families has been making families laugh in Toronto and the GTA since 2014. Learn more about how we got started.
Meet the people who keep Funnies running and the amazing volunteer comedians who keep our audiences laughing!
News shows, articles and other times Funnies has been featured in the news!
Funnies for Families strives operate with transparency. Access our certifications, records and financial statements here.
We're ready for all your questions, concerns or shout outs. Click here to reach out to Funnies for Families.
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