Together with its customers, Auchan Hungary raised 16 million forints (HUF) for the 2nd Department of Pediatrics of Semmelweis University. With the charity campaign, launched in November 2021 during the festive season, the company supported the department for the third time by selling its plush beavers. This year the money was used to build an outdoor rehabilitation playground.

The new child-friendly playground, which meets EU standards, is located in the inner courtyard of the department. Made of quality wood, the ergonomic equipment is custom-designed to facilitate the stay of sick children in hospital. Dr. Gábor Kovács, Director of the 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University emphasized that in addition to physical medicine, spirit also plays a major role in overcoming illnesses. “Every day, we strive to make the stay of sick children in hospital easier, that’s why it is a special pleasure for us to have been able to install this playground,” he said, adding that an important aspect of the project was to ensure that children with chronic illnesses treated in the institution, who have to spend long periods of time here, as well as those waiting for examinations and their relatives, could spend quality time in a pleasant, safe, child-friendly environment, which would help them to recover and improve their physical and mental health.

We would like to thank those who supported our department with their purchases during the Auchan-campaign, as well as the United for Children with Cancer Foundation, whose donation of 2 million forints helped us to furnish the space with high-quality, weather-resistant chairs, thus bringing joy to the children who use it,”

the director said.

Hajnalka Széll, HR and Communications Director of Auchan Hungary emphasized how important solidarity, social cooperation and assistance in their corporate culture is. “It is a great pleasure for us that our customers always support us in our good causes. The tangible result of our year-end charity is the construction of this special playground in the courtyard of the 2nd Department of Pediatrics. This place in addition to providing moments of joy, also contributes to the healing work,” she said.

“The United for Children with Cancer Foundation considers it as a priority to help children spiritually during their healing process, ” President Judit Stalter Takácsné said. “We were happy to support the construction of the playground with the desire to bring joy to the children and provide them with fun activities during their treatments,” she added.

In the recent two years, the Department has received high-value medical equipment for life-saving interventions – X-ray image intensifier and a modern, high-performance ultrasound device – from the funds raised.

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Eszter Csatári-Földváry, translated by Rita Kónya
Photo: Bálint Barta – Semmelweis University