Jackie Supports Operation Smile in Beijing

Jackie Chan Inspires Youth at Operation Smile’s 2011 International Student Cultural Exchange in Beijing

As a supporter of Operation Smile for more than 18 years, Jackie Chan will join other internationally-respected speakers at the organisation’s largest ever annual International Student Cultural Exchange (ISCE).

Almost 800 college and high school students from 23 countries around the world will gather from August 1-7 at the Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall in China to learn firsthand how to enhance their knowledge of global cultures, strengthen their character, and develop into future philanthropic leaders. Named one of the most philanthropic people in Asia by Forbes Asia in 2010, Jackie Chan is a wonderful mentor to inspire students to make a difference in their communities and around the world and help change lives for the better.

For almost 2 decades, Jackie Chan has helped to spread awareness for children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate and Operation Smile’s work in China. In 1993, he donated $2 million (HK) and an anesthesia machine to help Operation Smile provide free surgeries for more children in China.

For his many years of generous support and advocacy of Operation Smile’s work, Jackie Chan was named an International Smile Ambassador for Operation Smile China medical project. In Hangzhou, he has toured Operation Smile China’s Comprehensive Care Center, China’s first charity hospital, and lent his support for many fundraising events in Hong Kong. In 2009, during Operation Smile’s 20th anniversary commemoration of its work in Vietnam, Jackie Chan along with Operation Smile Co-Founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee received the National Medal for Peace and Friendship Among Nations award from the Vietnamese government.

“I have experienced very personally how this surgery is life-changing and I am honoured to have been a part of this program with you," said Mr. Chan.

The ISCE is hosted by Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity that provides free surgery for children in developing countries who were born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. Students will participate in team-building activities that celebrate their diversity. This year’s motto – Now is the Time! – will be incorporated throughout the ISCE, motivating students to make a difference in the world today.

The goal of ISCE is to educate students on the value of service in their communities and help them establish a lifetime of giving. ISCE participants hail from more than 23different countries. Thousands of students in more than 700 schools around the world are involved in Operation Smile’s Student Programs, making a difference in children’s lives and learning the importance of volunteerism.

Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong-born actor who also is an action choreographer, filmmaker, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts. Jackie Chan has appeared in over 100 films, and has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

SOURCE: OPERATION SMILE UK

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It is also Operation Smile's 20th Anniversary of spreading smiles in China this year and you can read more about it here