Operation Smile is a non-profit, volunteer medical services organisation providing free reconstructive surgery and related healthcare to children and adults suffering with facial abnormalities. In addition to changing the lives of individuals and their families, Operation Smile provides volunteers with opportunities to participate in international missions, workshops and conferences.
The Operation Smile Garden Route pre-screening kicked off in Knysna on Tuesday, October 19 when patients were seen by the team from Operation Smile to gather the necessary information. A total of six patients were screened in Knysna at the Knysna Life Healthcare Private Hospital.
The Operation Smile team was overwhelmed by the support from the hospital's management and employees. "They jumped to the opportunity to assist us, and they were extremely helpful and accommodating. They gave us the opportunity to assess candidates that had come forward and asked for our help, and we are extremely grateful," says Madelein Snyman from the Operation Smile Garden Route chapter.
"It is great to see the community come together to help others. It is not something one experiences every day, and it is extremely humbling and heart-warming," says Tamlin Abrahams, the mission coordinator from the Operation Smile head office in Cape Town.
How you can get involved
Operation Smile relies on donations from the public to help change lives. The following are some of the items needed: diapers, blankets, soft toys, educational toys, colouring books, crayons, liquid bubbles, hair accessories, washing cloths, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and any old linen to make hospital gowns and smile bags from.
Garden Route Launch
The Garden Route Chapter Launch took place at the breathtakingly beautiful game reserve, Buffalo Hills, near Plettenberg Bay recently.
A hundred guests were treated to oysters and champagne on arrival, and enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal, and entertainment by local artists, Wild Lettuce and Henri du Ploy. The day was a huge success, and all money raised on this day will go towards covering the operation and after care costs of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo patients.
The Operation Smile team would like to thank every individual, sponsor and guest for their contributions, and for making the day, one to remember, especially the staff of Buffalo Hills. "I wish I could relay the gratitude I feel. I am humbled by the community's support," says Snyman.
For more information kindly contact Operation Smile Garden Route Chapter’s Madelein Snyman on 072 406 3389 or Corrie Nel on 083 251 3093, or email operationsmile.gardenroute@gmail.com.
Thanks to Operation Smile, Chane is now a happy little girl; as all little girls should be.
