Get Involved

Student Leaders

Driving Change by Creating Health That Lasts a Lifetime

Compassion, energy, a desire to make a positive impact — they are at the heart of every student who wants to help children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. While our approach to student engagement has evolved, the spirit of leadership remains as strong as ever.

Join Us in Delivering Smiles Around the World

Are you passionate about making a difference? At Operation Smile Canada, we believe that young leaders like you have the power to change the world. While our approach to student involvement has evolved over the years, there are still many ways for you to get involved and support children in need of safe, life-changing cleft surgeries and complete care.

Danielle, Chelsea, Leon and Gavin, Canadian student ambassadors, pictured with Laura, member of the Operation Smile Canada team
A father smiles as a volunteer prepares his son for cleft care assessments.

Fundraising for a Cause That Matters

Your passion can help us bring smiles to children across the globe. Whether you’re leading a fundraising initiative, organizing an awareness event, or simply spreading awareness, you play an essential role in helping us provide critical medical care to those in need.

Why Get Involved?

Many students across Canada have made a lasting impact by supporting our mission through fundraising efforts. Their stories of dedication and compassion inspire us, and we hope they’ll inspire you too.

Together, we build hope for children living with cleft conditions and their families.

Does the Operation Smile Canada student program still exist?

As Operation Smile Canada evolves, we will continue to support student fundraisers with their efforts but there will no longer be a formal student program.

How can I get involved with Operation Smile as a student?

Students can get involved by fundraising and raising awareness in support of Operation Smile Canada. Whether you organize an event, start an online fundraising campaign or collaborate with friends, your efforts help provide life-changing care to children around the world.

Who can fundraise in support of Operation Smile Canada?

Anyone! We welcome students and community members of all ages who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re an individual, part of a group or working with your school or community, you can get involved in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Can I volunteer as a student on a surgical program?

We are not currently accepting student volunteers on surgical programs. Learn how you can become a Medical Volunteer in the future.

I am interested in having an Operation Smile representative (staff or volunteer) speak at an upcoming event.

Learn more about speaking engagements. We require a minimum of 2-4 weeks' notice, and we cannot guarantee that we have someone available. We will always try our best to accommodate! 

Are there opportunities to deepen my engagement with Operation Smile?

Yes! There are various opportunities to engage with other students:

  • Attend the annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) to connect with like-minded peers from around the world
  • Join Cleft Connect, a global community of young people born with cleft conditions who meet monthly to build connections and learn together
  • Join the global student hub, iSmile, run by Operation Smile Incorporated in the U.S.
  • Follow Operation Smile Canada on social media (@OperationSmileCanada) to stay up-to-date and tag us in your posts!
  • Dedicated student leaders can apply to join the Regional and Global Leadership Councils – an exciting opportunity to collaborate with students across Canada and around the world who are passionate about Operation Smile. To learn more or express your interest, please email [email protected].

Still Have Questions?

Contact Us

If your question was not answered, please reach out to the following staff member based on your needs:

 

  • Fundraising Logistics and Support – Rae Leung, [email protected]
  • International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) and Other Leadership Opportunities – Toni Maggio, [email protected]
  • Speaking Engagements & Volunteer Opportunities – Kaitlin Waters, [email protected]