Learn how you can help Operation Smile Canada provide free cleft surgery and care to children around the world.
E very three minutes a child is born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. A cleft is a gap in the mouth that didn’t close during the early stages of pregnancy. Infants born with cleft conditions have nine times the risk of dying within the first year of life.
Depending on the type and severity, a cleft can create serious health issues if not corrected. Babies can have difficulty with feeding, which can lead to malnutrition. Dental development can be affected along with speech and language development. Children often face bullying and social isolation.
In countries like Canada, surgery to repair cleft conditions is common and usually done before a child reaches the age of two. In low- and middle-income countries, availability and access to surgery is limited and costly.
Operation Smile Canada is part of a global medical charity that provides free surgery to repair cleft lip and palate in children and young adults, along with ongoing comprehensive care before and after surgery.
Join Operation Smile Canada and presenting sponsor LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® Longest Day of SMILES®. Canadians can help raise awareness and funds to deliver 3,000 new smiles to children in need. Join the SMILE movement and start fundraising to help make someone smile today.
