Operation Smile is a NPO that assists children with cleft lips or cleft palates, providing the resources for them to receive life-changing surgery, which can cost around R5 600 for a single operation. The epic Miles for Smiles bike ride sees the group covering about 100 km per day to create awareness about this initiative and to raise much-needed funds. The 2018 ride raised about R70 000, with almost double this amount raised in 2019 – around R120 000. With these funds, a total of 34 new Smiles were created.

Miles for Smiles organiser Shannon Smit says, “I am confident that we will achieve our 2020 target of R140 000 as we cycle our hearts out for Smiles; ordinary people make a difference, to pay it forward and inspire change in aid of Operation Smile. Making a difference begins with the belief that you can do something that doesn’t just benefit yourself. One action leads to another – see you guys on the road!”

Founded in 2006, Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) joined Operation Smile Inc as its 25th partner country. Based in Cape Town, OSSA medical volunteers provide free surgeries to children and adults throughout southern and central Africa, as well as educational and training opportunities that promote sustainability and self-sufficiency throughout the region. OSSA is part of a global non-profit medical services organisation that has, over the past 30 years, provided care to over 200 000 children and adults worldwide, and currently has a presence in over 60 countries.

#TeamSafire are proud to support this initiative and if you, too, would like to donate towards the Miles for Smiles 2020 Tour, please click here https://bit.ly/2Cnb0kG.