FAMILY HELPS KIDS TO SMILE

Robert and Christine Sloan with their granddaughter Olivia Sloan along with Operation Smile Ambassador Andy Keating.

A GERRINGONG family has decided to forgo giving presents this Christmas and fix the faces of babies in Vietnam instead.

The Sloan family will give enough money to Operation Smile Vietnam for volunteer surgeons to operate on the faces of 10 babies born with cleft palate deformities.

At just $100 for each, the operation is literally life giving to the children involved.

For Christine and Robert Sloan, donating to Operation Smile is a means to put Christmas present money to life changing use.

For the cost of going out for a meal we can change someones life forever it is an amazing thing, Robert Sloan told the Kiama Independent.

If the surgeon can donate the time surely we can donate $100. And its not as though we dont get anything; knowing that you have helped change a young babys life certainly gives a lot of pleasure.

Despite not wanting to receive publicity for their donation, both Robert and Christine felt it was important to let people know just how easy it is to change a babys life forever.

When you watch the DVD )about the program) it is staggering to see how many people are affected and as a mother it is absolutely terrifying and so tragic to see these small children faced with these problems, Mrs Sloan said.

As they get older these children are abandoned as they cant find work while their parents can no longer afford to keep them.

When we told our four sons and their partners what we planned to do this Christmas they were all for it. The whole family feels really proud that we have rescued 10 children from a life of ridicule and exile.

Ambassador

Operation Smile Vietnam ambassador, Kiamas Andy Keating, said the extended Sloan family could enjoy this years Christmas knowing they had made a major difference to a babys life and encouraged other families to do the same.

These children are basically doomed to a life of hell in the schoolyard, he said.

It is not just the kids the parents are also afraid to let their child out.

The best thing about the donation is that you get to see a before and after picture of the baby as well as a certificate showing the babys age, name and address.

While that baby may never know your name they will never ever forget your kindness.

It is a very special thing to do for a baby and Christmas is the perfect time to do it.

Donations can be made by calling Mr Keating on 0403 825 834.

Money for the Fix-a-face program is being administered by the Kiama Lions Club and overseen by a Lions committee.

Donations can also be dropped in to Ross Simmons at Mitre 10 in Kiama or mailed to Operation Smile, c/o Kiama Lions Club, PO Box 161, Kiama, NSW 2533.