There is something pure and sincere about Catriona Gray’s smile. It has this child-like appeal to it; contagious and all-encompassing—a smile that transcends the universe.
(Photo from @catriona_gray / Instagram)
So it was rather fitting that our very own Miss Universe has been chosen as the new global ambassador of Smile Train, an international non-profit organization that provides free corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates.
“I have always believed that children deserve every chance in the world to achieve their goals. Through Smile Train-supported cleft treatment, they are given the opportunity to become more confident and live their lives to the fullest,” said Gray.
Since its establishment in 1999, Smile Train, with the help of donors and partners around the world, has provided safe and quality cleft care for more than 1.5 million children in need, 60,000 of whom are from the Philippines since the charity arrived in 2001.
As the newest ambassador, Gray recently turned over P388,200 she raised from her “Catriona Gives A Smile” birthday fundraiser. The amount, which Smile Train East Asia director Kimmy Flaviano received, will support cleft care treatment for at least 30 Filipino babies born with a cleft.
“Working with Smile Train has allowed me to help create smiles around the world,” enthused Gray. “As one of their newest global ambassadors, I will continue to use my voice and platform to help raise awareness and advocate for children with clefts here in the Philippines and all around the world.”
Flaviano expressed delight in working with the beauty queen. “She is committed to furthering our vision of giving new smiles and second chances to those born with a cleft, not only in the Philippines but around the world.”
