Tata International’s Distribution team keeps children smiling
December 03, 2019
Tata International’s Distribution team in South Africa donated over R120,000 to Operation Smile South Africa at a ceremony in Cape Town on November 22, 2019. The donation will go to meet the costs of surgery to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities, and provide education and training on the deformity.
“We are honoured and privileged to be able to contribute in such a positive way to making a difference to the lives of so many children. We recognise that by addressing the challenges children face at a young and impressionable age, together with Operation Smile we are able to give them a chance at growing into the best versions of themselves,” said Mr Len Brand, Head, Distribution and Executive Director, Tata Africa Holdings.
Tata International’s relationship with the organisation dates back to 2015 with donations exceeding half a million rand over the years. These proceeds go towards supporting at least 12 children per year with operations at no costs to their families.
“Tata was founded on the principle that communities matter. Our CSR initiatives are focused on improving the quality of life of underprivileged communities in a sustainable manner and our ongoing partnership with Operation Smile is a testament to that commitment,” added Mr Brand.
Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) is a non-profit medical service organisation that provides free cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive surgery. Since 2006 its medical volunteers have provided over 6,000 free surgeries to children and adults throughout Southern and Central Africa. Every three minutes, a child is born somewhere in the world with a cleft lip or cleft palate; about one in 500-750 births. It takes medical volunteers at OSSA as little as 45 minutes to repair a child’s cleft condition, giving them a smile and the chance to live a happy and healthy life.
“We feel exceptionally blessed to have Tata as one of our partners since 2015,” said Ms Lauren Bright, Country Manager for Operation Smile South Africa. “The passion the brand has for making change and serving communities is outstanding. It is our pleasure to partner with such an incredible company, and we look forward to this partnership growing from strength to strength.”
