Is it any surprise that one of the most popular songs on radio right now is about clapping along in happiness?
If you’re anything like I am, some days the news of the world can seem so bleak, you’re just eager to hear something different. So it’s refreshing to see something uplifting go viral.
And here’s something else that brightened my mood today – I received an encouraging email from someone we work with at Smile Train (which is one of the outstanding organizations NICABM supports).
Smile Train is an international children’s charity providing reconstructive cleft lip and palate surgery to children in developing countries.
And they have just completed their one millionth surgery – the patient was 6-year-old Osawa Owiti of Tanzania.
Before his surgery, Osawa’s family worried about his future, whether or not his appearance would prevent him from receiving an education, or being able to marry or find a job.
And I of course hear this and think about the impact it has on his ability to become attached to people in his life.
In celebration of Osawa’s successful surgery, the folks at Smile Train have produced this video where you can meet Osawa and his family, and learn more about the work they do.
Feel free to clap along.
To read more about the work that Smile Train is doing, click here.
And how about you? Do you have a favorite way to give back, either of your time, money, or expertise? Tell us about it in the comment box below. It’ll bring a smile to my face.
Unvlaieblbee how well-written and informative this was.
While I have heard about smile train I have never seen a video and was touched by this video. Osawa is a lucky boy!
I give back 2 ways, the first being by having space in my practice (20%) for those who cannot afford my expertise.
The second is by donating to organizations such as smile train. Last year I donated to the Malala fund as I feel strongly about education for all and feel that she was amazingly brave and has used her situation to benefit all. This year I may give to smile train as I see the benefits for all.
Thank you Ruth, for sharing this. I love that there is so much good going on in our world. And I would much rather focus on and grow that…………
Thanks for supporting this wonderful organization, Smile Train.
I work with another GREAT, international organization called RESULTS. As citizen lobbyists for the poorest of the poor around the world, we too make sure that legitimate health facilities and programs get the money they need to save over 1 MILLION lives every month! We lobby for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Moreover, the money is already collected from American taxpayers, and is sitting in the Foreign Aid hopper, so we don’t have to dig deeper into our pockets. We just convince Senators and Congressmen to channel those tax dollars into programs that have proven effective, transparent and accountable.
I’ll be at the RESULTS International Conference in Washington DC, June 21-24, where we will hear from leaders like the head of the World Bank and USAID, who believe that we can eliminate the worst aspects of hunger and dire poverty in our lifetime!
Thank you. Thank you for sharing this touching and inspiring video. Yes, it brought smiles and also tears. Bless you all for your compassion.
Unfortunately, ‘an issue with playback.’
Sam
I wrote a wrong e mail address in my message. I forgot it because it´s new.
My correct e mail address is Roobarb@web.de
I´d be very happy to hear from you.
This is amazing and inspiring . Jesus talks about giving and loving others . He teach s us about Caring for those on need. My mother taught that life is not only about yourself but about others too . In our house we kept many people whom my daddie and mum supported some were not even related too. I have always admired Jesus Christ because of his humility , kindness , love and caring for the needy groups . Life must be about caring ,loving and doing others good . I have tried , I try everyday to be nice and support others in néed . And I always pray to The Lord to make me better everyday in loving bad supporting others by making me have what I need . GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE
Thank you Ruth,
Beautiful video of compassion in action.
For the past 6 years I have been sponsoring sisters that are in need through Women for Women International
These women live in areas with poor economics, high unemployment, have a lack of education, years of displacement, sex trafficking, have been through physical, psychological trauma and live in poverty.
With the help of Women for Women and sponsors they recive training and education in women’s rights, decision making, technical and business skills emotional and financial support. This allows them to transform and improve their life and their family’s life gaining self confidence, skills, access to employment and ways of generating income allowing them greater potential.
I am happy and proud of my sisters:
Merishaha- Kosovo, Marie-Rwanda, Rahba-Iraq, Petronila- DR Congo, Felicia- Nigeria, and Fatima-Afghaniatan.
Love Susan
I think we should remember that there is a lot more good that makes this world go around. I am humbled by this video. Thank you for caring, Ruth.
Some ten years ago I was suffering a dehabilitating mental illness. With help I found an organization calles AMSOC who found “Godparents” for children of parents with psychological illness. My son, then 8 years old was paired up with a couple: Alice and Jürgen.
Over the years, A and J. have supported my son in any way they could and still can. They made a huge difference to his life and when he didn´t feel he could turn to me, he turned to them. They are wonderful people and have become friends of mine.
AMSOC finds “Godparents” for children who have troubled parents and cannot nurture the child alone. They have helped over 40 families and of course they want to help more.
But money is tight. They are afraid they might have to close their organization.
They need help and ideas so as to fundraise. My son and I will make a recording for a radio station about how AMSOC helped up in so many ways.
I have time on my hands and, if you or anyone could pass on some tips about how successfully to raise money for projects like this.
It´s close to my heart. I want to help.
This is not a scam.