JOHANNESBURG, 07 October – Today is World Smile Day and South African influencers will be donating and uploading their pre-loved items onto Yaga, an online shopping platform for the #SmileSale. All the proceeds from the purchases will be donated towards life-saving corrective surgeries for children born with cleft lip or palate conditions. While influencers are leading the charge, anyone is welcome to donate items towards the sale, and all South Africans are encouraged to shop for this great cause.
Globally, one in every 700 babies are born with a cleft lip or palate. Without corrective surgery, it’s estimated that one in 10 babies will die within four weeks of birth. Cleft lips can be repaired in roughly 45 minutes.
The Cipla Foundation’s Miles for Smiles #SmileSale campaign is raising funds for corrective surgery, with a circular deal that’s good for the wallet, and even better for the planet. As it addresses a medical problem, the campaign is helping to tackle the fashion industry’s biggest issue, which is sustainability. Watch some of the Miles for Smiles Patient Stories here:
“As a purpose-driven healthcare organisation, we are constantly exploring new and novel ways to execute our ethos of ‘caring for life’,” says Paul Miller, CEO of Cipla South Africa. “This campaign centres around everything that is important to our business: people, planet and purpose. Through this initiative, Miles for Smiles aims to make a life-changing difference by helping to facilitate corrective surgery for people born with cleft conditions. Whether selling their high-quality items or buying from the amazing range available, anyone can get involved in this worthy cause.”
To date, Miles for Smiles has helped to facilitate hundreds of surgeries and has raised more than R10 million since 2009 in support of Operation Smile. As part of ensuring equitable access to healthcare, the #SmileSale aims to fund even more surgeries.
“By leveraging technology, we can create a more sustainable future for fashion, making a positive difference for the environment, along with people’s wallets, while also raising awareness and funds for a surgery that will make a profound difference in a child’s life. Looking good while doing good? That’s what retail therapy should be; making a tangible difference for our children, as well as the planet,” Miller adds.
Watch Miles for Surgery Stories here:
