Smile Foundation celebrated Smile Week at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Smile Foundation honoured Mabiba’s vision through its first collaboration launch with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital on May 9.

The foundation’s communication personnel Toni Jabour said, “During Smile Week (7–14 May), 20 children from disadvantaged families will undergo life-changing reconstructive surgery which will involve cleft lip and palate repair, with one child undergoing full ear reconstructive surgery and a burn survivor undergoing tissue expander surgery. The week is generously sponsored by Sensodyne.”

Speaking in Parktown, the foundation’s CEO Kim Robertson Smith said Smile had assisted children for the past 23 years.

“We have been helping children with getting their smiles back and expanding into education because we are passionate about education. As Smile Foundation, we not only help a child but the entire family to walk the difficult journey with them.”

Jabour added the launch of the private-public partnership was relevant as it took place during National Burn Safety Awareness Week, with 60% of all annual burn cases affecting children.

South Africa’s population is vastly affected by burns every year, due to socio-economic factors such as the lack of electricity, inadequate housing and substance abuse.

The hospital’s Dr Pinky Chirwa added that the partnership was about prioritising children and their life-changing surgeries.

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