In the developing nations around the world, one out of every 700 children is born with a facial deformity each year. Apart from a lack of financial resources or access to corrective surgery, these children face a myriad of problems such as difficulty eating, ear disease, dental problems as well as problematic speech development. The Cipla Miles for Smiles project was launched in 2006 as a non-profit organisation to assist Operation Smile in raising awareness about and funds for corrective surgery for children born with cleft lips and/or cleft palates. Cipla Miles for Smiles has a fundamental aim: to inspire and challenge individuals to go out and make a difference in the lives of those around them; by challenging themselves to achieve the impossible and by doing so making a difference. David Grier, managing trustee of the Cipla Foundation and founder of Cipla Miles for Smiles, and his support team, together with the dedicated Cipla Miles for Smiles ambassadors and patrons have sponsored over 2 000 corrective surgical operations, which have been facilitated by Operation Smile South Africa. CMSA believes that all children deserve to live their lives with dignity. For those suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities, dignity begins with a smile. In 2006 Cipla launched the Cipla Miles for Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for corrective surgery for children born with cleft lips and /or cleft palates. The foundation was also formed to assist Operation Smile in creating awareness for the plight of these children. In the developing world, one in every 750 children is born with a facial deformity. Without the financial resources or access to corrective surgery, these children face myriad problems, from difficulty in eating, ear disease, dental problems and problematic speech development. In addition, they are subjected to a life of disfigurement, humiliation, ridicule and emotional pain. At Cipla we are committed to make the lives of these children better. To date we have helped heal 1 200 children. The impact is felt not just through the children we heal but also their families. The Miles for Smiles foundation also has a fundamental aim, to inspire and challenge individuals to go out and make a difference in the lives of those around them, by challenging themselves to achieve the impossible and by doing so make a difference. Read more www.milesforsmiles.co.za