Shriner clowns bring joy to kids at Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It was a special day for some Ronald McDonald House families and patients at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.

With their big shoes, colorful makeup and red noses, the clowns with Platta Temple’s Imperial Clown Unit paid a special visit to the kids and their families who needed some merry-making.

These merry-makers are in New Orleans for a conference and they wanted to make a visit.

“To sum it up in one word: joy,” said Grace McIntosh, the executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana.

“Anytime Ronald McDonald House has the opportunity to share joy with these families who are going through so much, we want to do it,” said McIntosh.

Bringing joy to families like 10-year-old Zahinnia Hampton, who has diabetes.

“The clowns are cool,” she said.

“She’s been down. This is her fourth day, and second hospital visit in the last two weeks. So, this was great,” said Justyce Wilson, Hampton’s mother.

Wilson said that she used to be afraid of clowns.

“No longer afraid of clowns. We got it, we good,” Wilson said.

Here there is just cheer, no fear.

“To have an opportunity like this to smile, dance and be with amazing people who are filled with love, it warms my heart,” McIntosh said.

You can see these Shriner clowns in person on Wednesday at 6 p.m. when they parade down Canal Street.