Children’s charity to spread smiles with virtual tea party

Us Brits are known for turning to tea in good times and bad. And now, a charity is tapping into our love for a good cuppa with an online initiative to lift the nation’s spirits during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Every April, international children’s charity Smile Train, which helps to provide life-changing treatment for children with cleft lip and palate, hosts its Big Smile Tea Party to encourage friends, families and colleagues to come together over a cup of tea and baked treats, all in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

But this year, as we find ourselves separated from loved ones during social isolation, Smile Train is taking its annual campaign online in an effort to keep people connected and spread smiles, at a time when we all need it the most. That’s right: during the lockdown, we’ve seen everything from pub quizzes to yoga classes going virtual, and now it’s time for one big, happy virtual tea party!

As part of The Big Virtual Cuppa, taking place on 1st April between 3pm and 6pm, you may choose to call close relatives or friends who live afar; schedule an afternoon ‘time out’ video conference with colleagues; or simply gather your household together for a tea break. So unplug from your mobile devices, switch the kettle on and sit down with your favourite brew and baked goodie for a good old natter with the ones you love. Those taking part are also encouraged to take a screenshot of their ‘tea party’ and share it on social media using the hashtag #TheBigVirtualCuppa.

Remember, this is all for a good cause, so any donations you choose to make will have a big impact on children around the world, and allow them to live healthy and productive lives. Cleft conditions can impact a child’s ability to eat, breathe, speak and ultimately thrive, and yet many children with these conditions don’t have access to the treatment they need. Smile Train empowers medical professionals by providing training, funding and resources to help offer free cleft surgery and care to local children in their communities.