Operation Smile to raise funds at Abu Dhabi funfair

The fundraiser will be held on Saturday at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club from noon to 4pm.

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Operation Smile UAE, an international charity that provides surgery for children born with facial clefts, will mark its second anniversary with a fund-raising event at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club on Saturday.

Since its establishment, the UAE foundation has funded eight missions to the Philippines, Morocco, India, China, Jordan and Vietnam and helped more than 700 children receive the life-changing surgery.

Cleft lips and palates affect all nationalities but occur more often in children of Asian, Latino or Native American descent, the charity said. Children with clefts often find it difficult to speak properly, and malnutrition can also be a problem.

The event, from noon to 4pm, will feature universities, schools, companies and other organisations holding funfair stalls.

The money raised will help provide funding for free operations and aftercare.

Other activities include a used-toy sale, a used-book sale, and free health check-ups and advice from hospitals and clinics. Prizes to be won include two Etihad Airways tickets.

Entry is Dh10 and tickets are available at the door. For more information, call 02 658 4790.

jbell@thenational.ae