A cleft lip or cleft palate is a congenital defect that forms during pregnancy. The estimated incidence in South Africa is one out of every 750. In as little as 45 minutes, Operation Smile can create a new smile that brings with it the prospect of a future filled with new opportunities and a normal life.
Screening dates
Operation Smile is currently operating in the Garden Route and Little Karoo, and wants to appeal to all to contact them, should you know of anyone who could benefit from their organisation.
They will be in the Garden Route from 18 to 20 October and in the Little Karoo from 21 to 22 October.
Do you want to get involved?
If you are good with your hands, create an artwork based on the theme ‘Smile’. It can be anything from a photograph to a doodle on a napkin. They will auction off these smiles to help raise funds for Garden Route and Little Karoo patients.
If you are good with your wallet, a donation of R3 000 is needed to provide one patient with surgery. R5 500 provides surgery and necessary comprehensive follow-up care for one patient.
For as little as R25 you can contribute a ‘smile bag’. All Operation Smile patients receive them after surgery. They contain a few basic essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a washcloth, a bar of soap, a pocket mirror and a hair comb.
Thank you to all the companies and individuals that have contributed. Every contribution, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated.
Garden Route Chapter launch
Date: Saturday 30 October.
Venue: Buffalo Hills Game Reserve Plettenberg Bay.
Time: 11:00 - 15:00.
Price: R500 per person.
Guests will be wined and dined with a three course meal and some fabulous local wines. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, music by local artists and meet the team from Operation Smile.
They will also have an art display with pieces sponsored to Operation Smile by local artists, that will be auctioned off during the day, as well as some amazing holiday getaways.
You will also be able to view pictures of the Garden Route and Little Karoo patients that will be receiving their life changing surgeries in November.
Contact Madelein on 072 406 3389 or Corrie on 083 251 3093 to book. There are only 100 tickets available. You can reach their office on 044 696 6247 or e-mail: operationsmile.gardenroute@gmail.com.
Brendan (second from left) after the operation.
