The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation centers its philanthropic efforts around "Sigma Serves Children," ultimately through the Robbie Page Memorial (RPM). RPM was established in 1951 after the death of the son of Tri Sigma's National President. It supported various polio research projects inlcuing the Salk vaccine trilas. On Spetember 15, 1951, Robbie Page, himself, died of bulbar polio in Children's Hospital at Boston. Throughout his life, Robbie was an eager little boy who always wanted to help other children. He once said, "I want to have all of my birthdays right now so I can grow up and help people."
Sigmas nationwide knew of President Hastings' son's death and wanted to know what the women of Tri Sigma could do to help. The result was a spontaneous movement known as the Robbie Page Memorial.
When a cure for polio was finally discovered, Sigmas decided to turn their efforts to play therapy for hospitalized children. This effort began at North Carolina Memorial Hospital. The play therapy efforts support and focus on the emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized chilren by using the fundraising efforts by collegiate and alumnae chapters of Tri Sigma nationwide.
The current national efforts of the sorority are centered on the play therapy programs at the Universiyt of North Carolina Hopsitals, Chapel Hill, and Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. The RPM grants to these institutions have focused on not only funding the renovations and materials for hospital playrooms, but also funding graduate assistantships at the University of North Carolina in Recreational Therapy and fellowships at Children's Medical Center.
Sigma Sigma Sigma has been recognized by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society because the sororiy's contribution has benefited many thousands of children worldwide. |
