Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray Brings Smiles to Kenya

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray visits baby Grace at her home in Limuru, Kiambu County. Gray, who just concluded her two-day visit to Kenya, had the chance to interact with beneficiaries of cleft treatment to spread the message that ‘All Smiles are Beautiful’. 

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray recently visited Kenya, East Africa to spread awareness of Smile Train as a partner in comprehensive cleft care for those in need. Even after her reign as Miss Universe ended, Catriona continues to use her voice to share the message that “All Smiles are Beautiful” and help reach more people who can benefit from Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity.

In between filming in Mauritius and hosting segments at the Miss Universe South Africa 2021 pageant, Catriona made time to visit Smile Train patients and their families in Kenya. Through her interactions with them, Catriona was able to learn about their cleft care journey and the stigma that cleft lip and palate bring.

On World Smile Day®, Smile Train Celebrated Smiles Through The #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti Campaign

Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, launched the #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti campaign in the Philippines as they invited Filipinos to celebrate World Smile Day® on October 1st. Held annually on the first Friday of October, World Smile Day®, is a day dedicated to inspiring everyone to do acts of kindness around the world.  

In line with Smile Train’s global message, “All Smiles are Beautiful”, Smile Train Philippines localized the campaign with #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti which aims to raise awareness for cleft-affected individuals, capturing the beauty of all kinds of smiles and mitigate discrimination towards those born with a cleft or other birth differences. 

“Smile Train strives to give individuals born with a cleft their forever smiles and brighter futures. With the help of all our partner hospitals and medical professionals, we can truly make a difference to create more smiles and second chances at life,” said Vice President, Smile Train South East Asia, Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano.

Smile Train Expands Comprehensive Cleft Care Services Across Philippines

(ARC Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City serving as the first Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) in Cebu)

Smile Train, the world's largest cleft organization, announced today the establishment of four Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) centers across the Philippines to increase accessibility of treatment to cleft-affected individuals and their families.

Every day, more than 540 babies are born with a cleft around the world, an ongoing reality that calls for comprehensive solutions to help them overcome challenges and live a happy, healthy life. 

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray conducted patient home visits in Colombia with Smile Train partner, Factory of Smiles last November.

Catch Smile Train Global Ambassador, Catriona Gray as she shares her experience with Smile Train Colombia on this exclusive video interview below: 

Globally, 540 babies are born with a cleft every day. Smile Train is committed to providing access to proper cleft care treatment and financial assistance even during the pandemic. In addition to life-changing surgery, Smile Train’s local medical partners provide essential care, such as speech therapy, emotional support, nutrition services, and orthodontic care, to ensure that children have the opportunity to lead full and productive lives.

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray Joins this Year's Selection Committee for Miss Universe Colombia 2020

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray conducts patient home visits in Colombia with Smile Train partner, Factory of Smiles

Smile Train Global Ambassador, Catriona Gray joins this year’s selection committee as an official judge for the Miss Universe Colombia 2020 pageant.

The crowned Miss Universe Colombia will become a local ambassador for the organization’s charity partner, Smile Train. As a part of this charitable partnership, the reigning title holder will work closely with Smile Train to help raise awareness for children with clefts locally and around the world.

Smile Train Philippines Announces Virtual Speech Camp 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smile Train Philippines will be holding their Speech Camp 2020, a series of virtual speech therapy classes for cleft patients during this enhanced community quarantine period (ECQ).

The world’s leading cleft organization will hold live sessions with its local experts through Facebook, which will run from April 1 to April 8, 2020.

Catriona Gray joins Smile Train as its newest Global Ambassador

Smile Train Global Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray visited Smile Train’s partner hospital, Philippine Band of Mercy, where she met with cleft patients and their families.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray joins Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft organization, as its newest Global Ambassador.

Smile Train Partners with Seda Hotels to Raise Awareness for Children with Clefts

The world’s leading cleft charity, Smile Train has partnered with Seda Hotels for the third consecutive year to raise awareness for children with clefts through selling customized Smile Train ornaments and Christmas cards at each of their locations.

“For the first two years, we, the Seda Community and hotels and resorts under Ayala Land, were able to raise funds to support 100 cleft surgeries for Smile Train’s patients nationwide. We continue to partner with Smile Train as we aim to raise more funds to help support more children with clefts in the country,” said Senior Group General Manager of Seda Hotels Mr. Andrea Mastellone. “This holiday season, we invite our guests, employees, and partners to support us in this cause to help change the lives of many Filipino children, including their ability to eat, breathe, and speak.”

Smile Train Beneficiaries, Aboitiz Foundation Celebrate World Smile Day® with Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Titleholders

Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, together with Aboitiz Foundation, celebrated World Smile Day® through an art-filled afternoon with their beneficiaries and the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Titleholders. World Smile Day®, celebrated on every first Friday of October, is dedicated to smiles and encourages people to do acts of kindness around the world.

Held at the office of Aboitiz Foundation at NAC Tower in Bonifacio Global City, over twenty Smile Train beneficiaries showcased their creativity in creating memorabilia plush toys with the help of the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Titleholders. This was led by Bb. Pilipinas Universe Gazini Ganados, along with Bb. Pilipinas International Patch Magtanong, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Resham Saeed, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Emma Tiglao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Leren Bautista, Bb. Pilipinas first runner up Aye Abesamis, and Bb. Pilipinas second runner up Samantha Bernardo.

Smile Train, GSK empower Philippines’ Medical Professionals through a co-presented cleft symposium, It Starts with a Smile

Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft organization, brings together individuals involved in providing cleft care for It Starts with A Smile cleft management symposium. The event aims to improve the knowledge and proficiency of medical practitioners and individuals involved in providing comprehensive cleft care for children ranging from newborns to adults.