Love and Smile SA

Love and Smile SA was initiated by Monica Bell and Lize Els, two South Africans who met and became friends in Canada. Monica and Lize had very different upbringings on opposite sides of South Africa. Monica was born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Sir Lowry’s Pass, Western Cape and Lize Els is from a farm in Babanango in KwaZulu Natal. Over time, they realized they had a shared interest in emphasizing the importance of dental health, whether in orthodontistry or oral hygiene.

The need for toothbrushes and toothpaste in many impoverished communities in South Africa is apparent. A healthy smile is vital to a healthy life with influences on gut health, mental health and social health and extends long into adulthood affecting relationships and career opportunities. They want to help kids by supplying a toothbrush and toothpaste and want to give others the opportunity to help too.