such a silly thing

It is simply so amazing. One moment I was feeling upset about something I have been wasting my energy on and when I chanced upon this article and read the last line, I smiled to myself.

They are two extremely amazing people.

I can't wait to get the plan into action.

Two girls raise funds for smiles

Updated: Sun Dec. 20 2009 12:27:37 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

Kiki Cooper and Victoria Kalisky are on a mission to get kids in developing nations to smile.

The 11-year-olds from Hampstead and Cote St. Luc have raised over $4,500 so far for Smile Train, a charity that funds cleft palate surgeries in 75 of the world's poorest nations.

The two Akiva School students sell bracelets door-to-door and speak in classrooms about cleft palates, spreading awareness about the birth defect that creates an opening between a child's upper lip and nose.

"We're encouraging them to smile so they'll learn that even something - just smiling is a special, extraordinary thing," said Victoria, as she and Kiki spoke to a kindergarten class about the defect.

After reading about the organization in a magazine article, the girls knew they wanted to contribute. Of the 111,000 cleft palate surgeries Smile Train has funded this year, the girls have contributed enough money for 18.

"It's just so heartwarming and so nice to see two young children take such initiative," said Debbie Pollack, Victoria's mother.

The fundraising efforts have taught the girls, above all else, perspective.

"I keep posters of Smile Train all over my room so when I'm upset about something, I just go and I turn (and realize) I can't feel upset about this, it's such a silly thing," said Kiki.