The joint campaign between Bridge2Aid and Dentaid is seeking 1000 dental practices and companies to each raise at least £100. All the proceeds will be shared equally between the two charities and will be used to improve access to dental care in poor and remote communities around the world.
Since the appeal was launched, dental practices from Berwick to Poole have been signing up for the campaign and planning fundraising events. Now fundraisers from Bridge2Aid and Dentaid are aiming to have 100 surgeries and businesses signed up by the end of September.
“It is fantastic to see the sign ups coming in, but we want urge everyone in the dental community to take action because that way we’ll be able to reach more people who are suffering pain because they have no access to dental treatment,” said Kaysha Wright, fundraiser at Bridge2Aid. “That’s why we’ve set a target of 100 practices to be signed up by the end of September. Making a difference is easier than you think!”
Karen Tranter held a strawberries and cream tea in her garden to raise money for the 1000 Smiles Appeal. “I organised my event only the week before by making hand written invitations and delivering them to people I knew living near-by. Because I made a point of asking people face to face, I received several donations from people who were unable to attend. We made £124 and I tried to tell most visitors about the work done by Bridge2Aid and Dentaid.”
Retired dentist Bryan Osborn made a beautiful wooden rocking horse that he sold for £100 to raise money for the appeal. “As a retired dental surgeon who has worked in Uganda, I am delighted to support Together Dental and the wonderful charity work done both abroad and in the UK.”
Heidi Robinson, fundraiser at Dentaid added, “The beauty of 1000 Smiles is that you can do whatever you like to raise money. Whether that’s an adventurous challenge, hosting an event or simply having a collection box in your practice we are trying to bring the dental community together and improve access to safe, sustainable dental care for those who really need our help.”
To sign up for 1000 Smiles please visit https://togetherdental.org/smiles/
For queries and fundraising ideas contact info@togetherdental.org