Frequently Asked Questions
Donations from New Zealand, Australia and the USA are fully tax deducible. Donors from the UK can obtain tax deductions by gifting through Stewardship and quoting our Sovereign Account Number: 20096960 http://www.stewardship.org.uk
Any money donated for a specific purpose is entirely allocated to that purpose and will not be redirected. Any money provided as a general donation is directed to where it is needed most.
We provide short and long-term care to infants and children who have been orphaned, abused or abandoned, or where their health and life expectancy are in serious jeopardy. These are situations where their families, due to circumstances of poverty or other cultural factors, are unable to provide for them.
Cleft lip or cleft palate is a developmental problem (usually in babies) where the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) is not correctly joined, leading to a gap in either the palate or lip and palate.
The terms hare lip or hair lip (common misspelling of the previous) are sometimes used colloquially to describe the condition because of the resemblance of a hare's lip.
A cleft lip can range from a simple notch in the upper lip to a complete gap in the lip running into the floor of the nostril. The upper gum may also be involved.
This may occur on just one side (unilateral cleft) or both sides (bilateral cleft).
Cleft palate may involve only the soft palate at the back of the mouth or may run forwards through the bone of the hard palate. As with the lip, one or both sides may be affected.
Approximately one in 700 babies in the developed world suffers from cleft lip and palate or cleft palate. Around 70% of babies with cleft lips also have cleft palates. These problems are present more in males than females.
A child with a cleft lip or palate is unable to eat or swallow. This leads to poor nutrition, which if untreated - can result in death from malnutrition. Their ability to talk is also affected, making communication with family and friends very difficult.
Sadly, they are often ridiculed and may even be abandoned by their family.
Currently the cost of a cleft lip/cleft palate surgery is $250.
However, this cost can vary greatly depending on the specific surgical needs of the individual child and the complications that sometimes arise.
This figure includes pre-operation checks, x-rays, medication and transportation to and from medical facilities, as well as post-operation follow up.
18yrs old unless accompanied by a parent.
We are a charity so there are costs involved in volunteering at one of our Children's Homes. Details are included in our information pack that is emailed to you after filling out an expression of interest form.
Depending on the base you are staying at, you may or may not be living on site. Either way we will provide accommodation for you during your stay. Accommodation costs will vary for this.
