Smile Angel x Moka Bros Fix Cleft Lips and Palates, One Smoothie At a Time

Every 20 minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip and palate in China. A serious congenital condition, a cleft lip and palate occurs when there is a split or opening in the upper lip and roof of the mouth. It is a rare condition and while the exact causes are unknown, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Each year, almost 30,000 children in China are born with a cleft lip and palate.

Although not life-threatening, such splits in the lips and palate can cause dental abnormalities, and symptoms include speech difficulties and difficulty swallowing. Children with such conditions may also experience psychological problems due to teasing and ostracization from friends or even family. This can be grave and enfeebling, as it can negatively affect children’s self-esteem and cause them to withdraw from social activities. Therefore, the work of several charities and foundations in China has been instrumental in raising awareness about this condition, and money to support children with cleft lips and palates with surgery, rehabilitation, and support.

One of these charities is Beijing-based Smile Angel Foundation (嫣然天使基金, yānrán tiānshǐ jījīn). Taking action with a simple ethos of spreading love, they work with cleft lip and palate patients to improve their quality of life. This year, the foundation rolled out their Mending Plan, wherein they collaborate with brands, artists, and designers to develop charity projects.

In June, one such local healthy food spot, Moka Bros, joined the cause, designing a special ‘Smile Angel Pick Me Up’ Fruit Smoothie for summer. Made with mango, pineapple, and banana, it cost RMB 39 for a medium cup, RMB 45 for a large, and from Aug 1, RMB 1 from every cup of the tasty nutritious smoothie sold in their stores across Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu will be donated to Smile Angel.

It’s the perfect time to swing by Moka Bros, enjoy a tasty snack, and know that you are helping to spread love and improve the quality of life for patients with cleft lips and palates.

READ: Explore Beijing's Hutongs While Helping China's Children

This article originally appeared on our sister site, beijingkids.

Images: courtesy of Moka Bros and Smile Angel Foundation