The Happy Childhood Foundation has one simple aim, and that is to put a smile on the face of children in need all around the world. Founded in 2010 by Mr. Georges Hatem and developed under the guidance of a mother foundation incorporated in Geneva, Philippe Hatem Foundation for a Happy Childhood (PHF), is one of the various foundations part of HCFs that ensures proper implementation of the global initiatives, provides support to children in various areas. We sat with Mr. Hatem, President of HCF Lebanon and here’s how he adds “One Smile at a Time” to a child in need.
Can you share how The Happy Childhood Foundation’s (HCF) commitment to helping children within the various communities?
HCF is a foundation that helps all children from different nationalities, religion, and gender, race, with the focus on five main fields of health, basic needs, protection, recreation and education. The foundation is involved in three areas the Laetitia Hatem Rehabilitation Center (LHRC) – for handicaps it was established in 2012; built in Hotel-Dieu de France in Beirut with the help of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) where my daughter Laetitia was treated after a rough accident. Our second initial focus is to help children through other foundations, for example Em El Nour Hospital where we fund programs for awareness against drugs strictly for children. Thirdly, we are currently working on a project in Tanzania; it is a village which includes an orphanage, rehabilitation center, a school, a museum and a social center. The plans are ready and we are working on a big fundraiser in order to move forward and hoping to build more over the years.
Two years ago, you introduced Philippe Hatem Foundation Art Collectors’ Auction event. What prompted you to start this charity event? And what was the audience reaction?
At the beginning we used to raise money through gala dinners, just like many other foundations out there, and as it was becoming more saturated, we decided to be different and tried to raise funds through other means, which is why were turned to art. Art is spreading into various sectors and nowadays there is more openness, and interest for art. Through our networks and with the support of Christie’s London we gained access to artists who have donated their works, and to a number of art collectors who positively supported our cause. Also, we currently partnered with leading galleries in Europe and the Middle East, namely White Cube Gallery in London, Agial gallery, Ayyam gallery and Janine Rubeiz gallery. Therefore, the combination of outsourcing works of art and knowing the potential bidders was a great match. As for our first auction event it was a great success, which encouraged us this year to plan a bigger second edition fundraising auction with more artists displaying 26 works of art at MIM Museum, Beirut. Another dimension we added this year was the advisory board of seven art collectors, who also helped us reach various international artists.
PHF and Laetitia Hatem Rehabilitation Center (LHRC) are both growing day by day. Is this how you had imagined they would grow? What is next?
It actually grew much faster than I imagined. Currently, we are in the process of building the expansion of the rehabilitation center and we have ongoing programs and yearly commitment plans with other foundations that we continually help. As for the village, we are working on a different funding channel based outside of Lebanon. Eventually, the dream is to be recognized and incorporated globally.
Do you see a change since you established the foundation? Especially, with the people’s mind-set, such as investors, collaborators or volunteers?
Definitely, there is more credibility when people see projects being realized and see the number of children we are helping each year increasing. Our network of people and number of supporters is growing and I must say from one year to another a lot of volunteers are joining and investing in our great cause.
Laeticia Hatem Rehabilitation Center at Hotel Dieu De France Hospital
Surely, over these 7 years there have been some happy and some bad moments. What keeps you inspired and motivated?
Of course, what triggered the dedication to the foundation were two sad moments- the loss of my son and my daughter Laetitia’s accident. After that, I must say it has only been happy moments because of the creation and realization of many successful projects helped us to be who we are today. However, the engine behind it all is a simple dream- to help and put a smile on a children’s face in the name of my dear son Philippe and through the Happy Childhood Foundation to make the less fortunate children happier, eager to live, and to help them mature into good people.
How does HCF provide a new model for giving and helping children?
It is worth mentioning that our foundation has so far followed a unique model, whereby we have been operating without any paid staff since the creation of the Foundation in 2010. All the work is done by the active members of our Board of Directors and the various committees we created for specific areas. Other volunteers and professional companies support us on a pro-bono basis.
What does the word “charity” mean to you?
I always tell the people who decide to join us on this journey, to not consider their support and generosity as an act of charity, but rather as the best investment that they will ever make, an investment for a better world.
8What is the biggest challenge you face today with HCF?
Fundraising! Because when we have the right funds we immediately have the means to get professionals to work on our plans and projects. Also, the main reason why it is a challenge is the competition; we have a lot of foundations in the region who are running after the same money. After all, we remain fully aware of the many challenges awaiting us on this road; however, we are convinced that with passion, hard work and of course the support of generous benefactors, we will continue to overcome these obstacles one after the other and reach our objectives – one smile at a time.
Finally, do you believe by giving back, one is more successful?
Maybe not successful in particular, but I do believe that once you give, you will get it back, because the satisfaction and happiness you feel after doing good is priceless.
By Dana Mortada
