Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft palate or cleft lip. And there are millions of children waiting for care.
Cleft conditions can impact a child’s ability to eat, talk and thrive. Children with these conditions often eat differently than other children, can have difficulty speaking, hearing problems or chronic ear infections. That’s why it’s important to get treatment for kids as early as possible, especially when surgery is required.
Sadly, the majority of these children’s families are unable to receive the surgery and comprehensive care they need because it’s too costly, or not available at all.
When left untreated, cleft conditions can cause severe health problems. And the kids who survive may face years of painful bullying and social isolation.
Providing free cleft care across the world
In an effort to reach out to people with cleft conditions in need, AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, has partnered with Operation Smile in 2018 for its first global sustainability program, “Give A Smile.”
“There are kids out there with cleft conditions who need help,” says Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia and Europe). “Our partnership with Operation Smile is in line with the brand’s mission to ‘put a smile on our customers’ faces today and tomorrow.’”
Celebrating 10 years of shared commitment, Watsons and Operation Smile continue to give children hope and a brighter future as they conducted another medical mission recently at The Medical City in Clark, Pampanga.
“When we started this project, our mission was to sponsor 10,000 surgeries by 2030,” shares Ngai. The surgeries have not only improved the children’s physical well-being but also their mental wellbeing.
“At first, we aimed to transform 10,000 smiles by 2030, and now we expect to surpass this target by 2026,” the lady boss enthuses. “We couldn’t have done this alone. It’s a joint effort of our people, our customers, and our business partners. Through their support, we were able to help cleft children restore the smiles they deserve.”
Accelerating impact for more smiles
“Partnership is the cornerstone of Operation Smile and Watson’s ‘Give A Smile’ project’s success,” notes Benedetta Spinola, senior VP for strategy and global development, Operation Smile International, in an interview during the medical mission in Pampanga. “We are proud to be working together with AS Watson in this global collaboration. With Watson’s continued commitment and long-term support, we’re not only bringing new smiles to the children’s faces, we’re also transforming their lives and their families’.”
With exclusive sponsorship from AS Watson, 60 patients received life-changing surgeries carried out by medical professionals from Operation Smile.
“Watsons Philippines is grateful for our partnership with Operation Smile which allowed us to reach out to children with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions, especially in underserved communities,” says Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines managing director. “Beyond the surgeries, it’s heartwarming to see beneficiaries uplift their lives and be given a newfound hope to live a normal life.”
Ngai, Spinola and Chiong were joined by the AS Watson Next Gen Sustainability Committee members.
“The committee is made of 21 Gen Z team members across Asia and Europe,” explains Ngai. They joined the medical mission to support and meet the patients and their families, witnessing the life-changing impact of the Give A Smile campaign.
“AS Watson is giving young people a voice and engaging them in driving the group’s sustainability initiatives,” adds Ngai.
Spread love, one smile at a time
Watsons Philippines encourages its customers to be part of this worthwhile endeavor through a fund drive. Give A Smile donation cans are placed in over 600 Watsons stores, and for those who prefer the convenience of online transactions, donations can also be made through the Watsons Online Store.
Additionally, customers have the option to contribute by donating their Watsons Card and SM Advantage Card points, which will directly contribute to funding essential surgeries.
By sharing this initiative, you’re not only helping these kids obtain perfect smiles but also ensuring they have a brighter future ahead.