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Movie star and Frederique Constant brand ambassador Shu Qi poses in front of the murals on the walls of the cardiology department at the Beijing Children’s Hospital | |
SWITZERLAND. A children’s hospital in Beijing has been transformed thanks to the fund-raising efforts of Swiss watch manufacturer Frederique Constant.
As a result of the Geneva watch brand’s support for a charity called Paint a Smile, the young patients of Beijing Children’s Hospital have been able to enjoy more cheerful surroundings. The charity aims to reduce the anxiety of a stay in hospital through bringing colourful paintings into children’s hospital wards.
This summer, as the watch brand’s spokesperson, movie star Shu Qi took a special trip to the hospital with Frederique Constant CEO Peter Stas and the charity’s founder Laura Cotton. The actress played games with the young patients and gave them presents.
The relationship between Frederique Constant and Paint a Smile began in 2008, when the watch brand presented its annual “Passion Award” to Laura Cotton. Afterwards, Frederique Constant donated CHF 50 (about RMB 317) to the Paint a Smile Foundation for each “Heart Beat” or “Love” women’s watch sold in China.
As revenue logged double-digit growth, the watchmaker raised a large amount, and earlier this year the first local partnership programme was initiated. Over two months, artists from Paint a Smile created lively cartoon murals on the walls of the cardiology department at the Beijing Children’s Hospital.
Frederique Constant CEO Peter Stas explained: “Frederique Constant is more than a young Geneva watch brand faithful and passionate for watch arts, we also wish to translate our passion and creativity into good drives, paying back to society and reaching people who need help. The painting of the Beijing Children’s Hospital is a perfect manifestation of such ideas.”
During her visit, Shu Qi said: “Making hospitals prettier places is a very meaningful and creative manoeuvre. I believe the easy environment will not only increase healing power among children, but also leave a pleasant memory among them. I appreciate Frederique Constant very much for granting me the opportunity to get involved in such activities. I hope there will be more people joining in and hope Frederique Constant will have a bright future.”
About the Paint a Smile Foundation
Paint a Smile Foundation was founded by Laura Cotton in December 2000. Its mission is to reduce the anxiety of staying in the hospital by permanently transforming the cold and impersonal environment into a colourful and welcoming world. Paint a Smile travels on demand throughout the world. In close collaboration with hospitals and with sponsors, a project with Paint a Smile is developed and completed in 4-6 weeks. The Foundation is always thoughtful to various religious and cultural backgrounds. The Foundation selects and trains its painters and works with highly qualified Smile Painters from different countries.
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