Kekec doesn't heal with medicine ...

Kekec from our hotels has a very special mission in October. Instead of delighting guests at our hotels, he puts his usual duties aside for a few days and sets off for a place where his smile can mean just a little more – Jesenice General Hospital. There, accompanied by Aunt Pehta, he visits children, their parents, patients and hospital staff, bringing cheer to a place where it is especially welcome through songs, hugs and a few of Kekec’s mischievous antics..

We have been working with Jesenice General Hospital and its hospital school for several years as part of Children’s Week, and each year we genuinely look forward to this visit. Children are among life’s greatest treasures, and they deserve laughter, carefree moments and happy memories – even when illness temporarily takes them away from home, friends and their usual everyday lives. When it comes to things like this, there is simply no question of whether we will be there.❤️

Every year, we also accompany our visit with little gifts. We prepare presents for the children and the hospital playroom, always inspired by our beloved local heroes. Through these gifts, Kekec brings a little piece of his playful world, imagination and mischief into the hospital, too. This year, we gave the children a particularly special keepsake – a memory-matching game featuring illustrations of all the characters from the Kekec adventures created by Slovenian author Josip Vandot. We hope it will bring many more happy moments and, even if only for a little while, transport the children into a world of friendship, adventure and playful heroes

Whenever we hear how warmly the children have welcomed our lively Kekec, and learn about the genuine smiles, hugs and sparkling eyes he has left behind, we are deeply touched. And not only when it comes to the children. His visit also brings joy to parents and hospital staff, who work every day to make the hospital a kinder, more welcoming place for patients. And that is the most beautiful part of this story – knowing that such a small gesture can brighten someone’s day.

Feelings like these cannot truly be captured in just a few sentences. They are something you simply have to experience. To be there, see a child’s smile, feel a heartfelt hug and witness how, for a brief moment, everything revolves around something beautiful. That is when you know it is worth it.

And that you want this story to continue.

That is why we have decided to remain part of this story in the years to come. Because we believe that kindness has no timetable, that you don’t need a special reason to show compassion, and that our Kekec, with his big heart, can make something truly wonderful happen.

Thank you to Jesenice General Hospital and its hospital school for allowing us to be part of this story. And a big thank you to our Kekec, too – we will certainly be lending you out again, because the world needs more heroes like you!