“If there was a time when we needed to rely on laughter for our mental well-being, that was last year” says Angela Micallef, philanthropies lead at Microsoft Malta, discussing the company’s support of NGO Dr Klown.

In an announcement released on Thursday, Microsoft Malta revealed that 34 NGOs started benefiting from its support in 2020, to a tune of €2 million worth to date.

One of these NGOs, Dr Klown, was supported with free licences to enable it to provide all its volunteers with dedicated Dr Klown email addresses and extra online storage.

Dr Klown provides children hospitalised in Mater Dei Hospital distraction and stress relief through fun and laughter.

The organisation’s Astride Camilleri explained that Microsoft’s support gave it the tools to “carry on virtual clowning”.

Looking forward, the NGO aims to be able to train all its volunteers in the use of the more advanced features of Microsoft Teams to expand the scope of the organisation’s services, so even post-pandemic, when children are recovering at home or being treated in the UK, Dr Klown will be able to bring them some joy.

Since the start of the pandemic, Microsoft Malta’s support to NGOs through monthly donations increased by 37 per cent, it said.

Ms Micallef concluded, “the COVID pandemic has shone a spotlight on NGOs as their employees and volunteers go beyond the call of duty to provide critical care and vital services to the community.

“[Microsoft Malta is] pleased to see that more and more local NGOs are using Microsoft services and transitioning to a remote working environment. Microsoft deeply appreciates their valuable work and remains committed to provide software and access to online resources and training during this challenging time”.