An anonymous donor has once again donated to cover the cost of 21 surgeries for children in Bloemfontein; these young lives will be changed forever!
Bloemfontein, South Africa (07 September 2022) – Seeing a child smile or hearing their laughter always lifts the heart because joy is infectious and pure. We love when children are joyful, and so does the Smile Foundation, which works to make the lives of children much easier.
The Smile Foundation has spent years helping children smile their brightest smiles. The organisation provides funding for children to have surgeries that will repair birth defects and burns.
The Smile Foundation is a South African NPO that assists children with any type of facial abnormality to receive corrective Plastic and Reconstructive surgery within South Africa. The foundation helps children who suffer from treatable facial deformities such as Cleft Lip and Palate, burn victims, Moebius syndrome (facial paralysis) and other conditions.
They bring donors together to cover the costs of surgeries so that multiple children can be helped in one week. This “Smile Week” takes place in Bloemfontein, and 21 children will be gifted new smiles and pain-relieving burn treatments.
“There are far too many children who are excluded from their peer groups because of physical differences. Whether they were born with a facial anomaly or suffered disfiguring burn wounds, they all deserve a second chance at a having happy childhood. That is what Smile Week is all about! Coordinated by Smile Foundation, Smile Week is a full working week, during which Plastic & Reconstructive surgeons, their surgical teams, other medical professionals and hospital staff clear their schedules to dedicate their time in performing reconstructive surgery on children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.”
This smile week was once again sponsored by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
“We are very grateful and wish to thank the anonymous donor for their overwhelming generosity and the incredible support of our initiative, as well as the selfless team of dedicated surgeons, medical professionals and hospital staff of Universitas Academic Hospital, who are dedicating their time, talent and efforts to give these children the life-changing surgery they so desperately need,” shares Kim Robertson Smith, CEO of Smile Foundation.
Of the surgeries happening this coming week, one young man is being treated for severe burns, and there will also be several cleft palate repairs. It is heartwarming to know that 21 children from very rural parts of the country will get the medical care they deserve!
While big corporations regularly sponsor these smile weeks, individuals can also participate in fun fundraising events. The Smile Foundation has a few events coming up that will be fun for all involved.
Smile Quiz Night – Melrose Arch Piazza
In celebration of World Smile Day, the foundation is hosting a fun quiz night on the 7th of October, 2022. The funds raised will go directly towards the next round of surgeries.
You can book your table and find all the information here.
Family Day Out – Gold Reef City
The fun-filled day will be on the 6th of October and offers an excellent opportunity to do something good during the school holidays.
“As parents, we are always looking for quality time with our kids and we have found the perfect solution.
Purchase your Gold Reef City Theme Park Tickets for you and your family at a special price of R 200 per person for Thursday 6th October 2022 & stand to win a brand new KIA Sonet”
Funds raised will go towards the building of the FIRST-EVER BURNS UNIT at Grey’s Hospital in KZN.
You can book and find all the information here.
Ride for a purpose – Ride Joburg
Take part in the 947 Cycle Challenge and use the race to raise R2000 for the Smile Foundation. There will be prizes for the top fundraisers.
“Be part of the biggest annual celebration of cycling in SA and #Ride4Smile in the @947 Cycle Challenge.
This year we are making sure our team is bigger and better than ever…Once you have registered, please remember to add your Charity Coupon Code: 97 km: SMILE-998 / 35 km: SMILE-543.”
Funds raised by this event will go towards doing more surgeries for children in South Africa.
You can find out how to register here.
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