Kiama city Council in New South Wales state of Australia in coordination with the Operation Smile Vietnam (OSV) launched a campaign to raise funds for operations for Vietnamese children with harelips and cleft palates.

Addressing the launch ceremony on June 20, Kiama’s mayor Sandra McCarthy praised local businesses and citizens for their kindness and support to the drive which was initiated by a local citizen, Andy Keating, six years ago.

She said the local government would also strengthen its cooperation with its sister city, Hoi An, in Vietnam .

Andy Keating, known as OSV envoy in Kiama, has so far raised 240,000 AUD to help bring smiles to 2,400 children with harelips and cleft palates in Vietnam./.