We can all be heroes if we decide to make a change in this world. Yet, a Brazilian dentist, Felipe Rossi, proves that this adage is practical as well.
Since he founded the NGO Por1sorriso in 2016, he travels around his home country of Brazil but also visited countries like Kenya and Mozambique and brings back smiles to some of the poorest people in the world.
With a team of his colleagues, he fixes the teeth of low-income people for free, helping them restore their confidence and giving them hope.
During the three years of the project, more than 4,000 people volunteered to help. Even though many of them end up giving up, the organization has changed the lives of many people.
Felipo, 38, said that his team can perform up to 1,500 dental procedures during a typical ‘action’ in a village or town, and they keep providing invaluable services for communities who need it most.
He adds that each five-day mission in Brazil, which usually takes place in schools, town halls, or theaters, will cost up to R $20,000 ($4,974). They generally receive sponsorship from two private companies and, recently, from oral hygiene brand Colgate.
Yet, he also admitted how his NGO is ‘struggling to survive’ due to the expense of the dental work and the constant fundraising required.
Individuals can also donate through the ‘Smile Solidarity’ program, choosing monthly amounts to donate. Moreover, Por1sorriso hosts regular fundraising events to be able to continue the free dental service around the country.
Here are some of the most heartwarming and powerfully emotive photos showing how they looked before and after Rossi helped them:
Sources:
daily news
