LYDIA HEARST AND OPERATION SMILE
The style icon and supermodel is transitioning into being an actress, with several features (and a new television series, South of Hell on WEtv airing spring/summer 2015) on the go – but also finds the time to support Operation Smile, a charity that provides free surgery to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities in children around the globe.
Could you tell us about your commitment to Operation Smile? Working with Operation Smile has been a completely life-altering experience. It’s an organization I am truly passionate about and grateful to be a part of. I first became involved nearly ten years ago when I volunteered to help stuff envelopes for the Smile Gala. I have since been on a few volunteer missions with Operation Smile, and am working on arranging another one in the coming months.
How does your contribution to Operation Smile work in practice? I am always trying to help raise awareness for Operation Smile by speaking, writing and tweeting about the organization. Also, I have tried to raise awareness about how individuals can make a difference while they shop, through smile.amazon.com – I think it is brilliant that Amazon has created an automatic way to donate each and every time you shop, and at no cost to the spender!
Can you tell us what it is like to go on a volunteer mission with Operation Smile? I have been to Egypt and Peru. It is incredible and truly inspiring to be part of something with so many unique individuals who come together for the greater good of helping others and saving lives, one smile at a time. I never knew my heart could hold so much love before joining Operation Smile and spending so much time with these wonderful, beautiful children and families.
On your website you speak about the need for hands-on charity work? I love working with children and to volunteer with the medical teams, and do all that I can to be involved with Operation Smile. Each and every one of us has the ability to bring hope and give smiles.
Read more about Operation Smile here.
Full interview and MORE up on : hm.com
