Simple ways to put a smile on children's faces

Nothing satisfies during the sweltering Shanghai summer like a cold beer or chilled glass of wine. But what if the next time you enjoyed these it brought a smile not only to your face, but to a child’s as well?

Throughout July, KABB and Blue Frog restaurants are partnering with Operation Smile, a charity that provides free surgeries to children born with cleft lips and palates. For every purchase of a glass of wine at KABB or Heineken at Blue Frog, ¥10 will be donated to Operation Smile's activities in China.

Operation Smile began work in China six years ago and now performs on approximately 800 to 1,000 children every year. "Once you see a child and their family's lives changed forever with a 45-minute operation, it's a cause that would touch anyone's heart. You see an immediate difference in someone's life, which is so powerful," says Clara Love, a volunteer consultant for Operation Smile in China.

Cleft lips / palates are one of the most common birth defects, affecting nearly one in 700 births. A simple, quick procedure usually performed soon after birth for around US$240 can correct it; however, in China's remote regions where healthcare access is limited, the procedure is rare. According to Operation Smile, children who go untreated often have trouble speaking, eating and even breathing properly and suffer social ostracization as a result.

With a corporate mission that states "community is the foundation of our business," KABB / Blue Frog take their commitment very seriously. "We realize we can't exist without community support, which is why we are committed to giving back," says Aimee Groom, sales and marketing coordinator for KABB. Restaurants are natural places for friends to gather, making them great venues for raising awareness and for charitable activities. In addition to Operation Smile, KABB / Blue Frog have partnerships with two other local children's charities, Shanghai Sunrise and Roots and Shoots. KABB / Blue Frog's support of these causes will not end in July, so keep looking for other opportunities to benefit local charities while indulging your taste buds.

Details:

Operation Smile Charity Month

KABB / Blue Frog restaurants

Through July 31

3307-0798

www.kabbsh.com