Transforming lives, one smile at a time: Listerine and Operation Smile launch Speech Camp for kids with cleft conditions

Employees of Kenvue Philippines present at the Operation Smile Philippines Speech Camp

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This holiday season, Listerine and Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) are spreading hope and transforming lives with the Gift A Smile Campaign. Through this inspiring initiative, five Speech Camps have been launched across the country, offering free speech therapy and oral health education to children who had gone corrective cleft surgeries. These camps not only help children rediscover their voices but also empower them with healthy, confident smiles – making the season brighter for families nationwide.

With cleft conditions affecting 1 in 700 babies born globally, the challenges go beyond physical appearance. Children with cleft palate often struggle with speech and are more vulnerable to oral health issues. While surgery addresses structural concerns, comprehensive cleft care, such as speech therapy, is essential for their development.

As part of its mission to transform lives, Listerine partnered with Operation Smile Philippines to donate ₱10 per bottle sold from September 22 to December 31, 2024. These contributions funded five Speech Camps in Cavite, Pampanga, Laoag, Naga, and Batangas, offering speech therapy to 20 children and equipping their families with oral health education.

Kicking off the Speech Camp in Lipa, Batangas where Listerine® team along with 20 speech pathologists conduct therapy exercises with Operation Smile beneficiaries.

The program kicked off in a heartwarming Speech Camp in Batangas, held at the Rotary Center – Rotary Club of Lipa City. The event brought together 20 speech pathologists and the Listerine® team to create a day filled with therapy exercises, games, and learning sessions on proper oral care.

“Listerine believes that healthy smiles are meant for all, and we thank our partners at Watsons and Operation Smile for helping us realize this mission,” said Robierina Carlos, Shopper Marketing Manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines. “We are proud to have funded these Speech Camps in 2024, where we’ve helped bring back smiles to these kids while educating families on protecting their mouths with proper oral health. Until December 31, every Listerine special Operation Smile pack available at Watsons will continue to fund speech therapy sessions. Please visit Watsons to support this meaningful partnership.”

The backlog of children awaiting cleft care in the Philippines remains at a staggering 200,000. With the holidays upon us, Listerine and Operation Smile call on the public to embrace the spirit of giving by:

1. Referring cleft patients for free comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, dental services, and speech therapy.
2. Volunteering as medical professionals or support staff.
3. Donating to sustain life-changing initiatives like the Gift A Smile Campaign.

“The Speech Camp is OSP Speech-Language Pathology Unit’s testament to staying truthful to our mission to provide comprehensive cleft care,” said Anton De Leon, OIC-Head, OSP Speech-Language Pathology Unit. “This initiative ensures children and families from local surgical activity sites receive the training, assessment, and therapy they need, with home instructions provided by our dedicated speech-language pathology volunteers.”

For children with cleft conditions, oral health goes beyond appearance – it’s a vital part to overall well-being. At the Speech Camps families discovered the power of proper oral hygiene, guided by the Listerine team, to protect and celebrate children’s new and healthy smiles. This holiday season, ignite the spirit of giving and help ensure every child’s smile shines bright with confidence and joy.