Drawing Alegria Foundation is a Canadian charitable foundation founded in 2014 that raises funds to improve the living conditions of impoverished children with cleft lip and palate in rural Colombia. The foundation financially supports medical organizations providing free surgical procedures and related treatments including dental work, reconstructive surgeries, psychological care, and speech therapy. Over 1,000 surgical procedures have been funded to date. View Drawing Alegria Foundation's website for more information.
Drawing Alegria Foundation serves as a vital bridge between Canadian donors and Colombian medical organizations providing life-changing surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate. The foundation operates primarily as a fundraising entity that channels resources to its partner organization, Dibujando Alegria, which operates directly in Colombia to deliver medical services.
The foundation funds a comprehensive range of procedures beyond initial cleft lip and palate surgeries, including dental procedures, nose and ear reconstructions, psychological treatments, and speech therapy. These additional procedures are essential components of comprehensive care for patients with facial malformations in impoverished communities.
Drawing Alegria organizes annual fundraising events including golf tournaments, galas, and Zumbathons across Canada. The organization seeks corporate and individual sponsorships to cover event costs, maximizing the proportion of funds directed to surgical missions. Approximately $250 CAD funds one complete surgery including operating room rentals, medical supplies, and medicine.
Since its founding in 2014, the foundation has funded over 1,000 surgical procedures through 26 surgical journeys across three regions in Colombia. The organization has developed partnerships with medical professionals and local organizations to deliver these services effectively.