The Smile Foundation, which is a South African NGO that assists children with any type of facial or other conditions to receive reconstructive surgery within South Africa, is appealing to businesses as well as individual members of the public to assist the medical professionals working tirelessly on the frontlines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 in South Africa.
Smile Foundation Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Marc Lubner, says as the pandemic worsens, the organisation’s call to assist will be greater than ever. But he believes that unity is the key to overcoming this epidemic.
“As we have close relationships with both the National Department of Health, local Departments of Health and the Academic Hospitals, we are also receiving requests for assistance for theatre scrubs for staff coming to the hospital to prevent infection, additional masks and equipment,” says Lubner. He says donations are critical for helping hospitals with medical equipment, masks and gloves.
CEO of Smile Foundation, Hedley Lewis, also added that President Cyril Ramaphosa, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and the government, have called on South Africa to unite and reduce the curve to overcome the virus. “We are urging you to assist these valued members of our society who require our continuous support,” requested Lewis.
Lewis said that the organisation stands ready to help in any way it can in supporting the authorities and medical professionals in preventing the spread of this virus.
According to a statement released by the foundation they have built a portal on the foundation’s website, www.smilefoundation.co.za, specifically to take donations from the public and corporates, which has already seen an influx of donations since thee have launched the project. Items have already been sourced and are being delivered.
Donations can also be made via EFT. For banking details call the Smile Foundation on 082 994 7655.
