AngloGold Ashanti unites with Smile Foundation to restore smiles at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
This year’s Smile Week reflects on the emotional journey children and parents face when living with a facial difference.
With the help of the Smile Foundation, and in proud partnership with AngloGold Ashanti, this October, 18 children will receive life changing cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries.
The highly anticipated Smile Week will run from October 6–10 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where children will undergo transformative procedures to help restore self-confidence, improve speech and eating ability, and open doors to brighter futures.
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Taking place after World Smile Day on October 3, and concluding on World Mental Health Day on October 10, this year’s Smile Week shines a light on the emotional journey children and parents face when living with a facial difference.
It is a reminder that true healing goes beyond the operating room, and includes psychological well-being and support for families.
Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, COO at the Smile Foundation, noted that Smile Week was about more than surgeries. “It is about restoring dignity, confidence, and joy to children and their families.
Facial differences can deeply affect a child’s self-esteem and mental health, so, we know healing the smile must go hand in hand with emotional support.”
She added that with the generous backing of AngloGold Ashanti, the foundation can help children thrive both physically and emotionally.
“We are deeply grateful to the skilled surgeons, the dedicated medical team, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for making this life-changing work possible.”
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Tumelo Shakwane, vice president: group community relations at AngloGold, said, as part of AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to social investment and to building strong, sustainable, and healthy communities, they were honoured to support Smile Week.
“Health is foundational to opportunity and well-being, and by partnering on this vital initiative we hope to bring lasting impact, and smiles, for many years to come.
“Our support for the Smile Foundation reflects our belief in changing lives for the better, and shows true corporate citizenship.”
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