Meet the friendly faces behind our Supporter Care team
We hear from Zahrah, Sophia and Amy – three unsung heroes who keep things running smoothly and make sure there’s always a friendly welcome when you contact Operation Smile.
At some point in your journey as an Operation Smile supporter, chances are you’ll have been in touch with a member of our Supporter Care team, either by phone, email or letter.
In this story, you’ll discover why they’re a team built on caring.
As well as keeping our records up to date, they process donations and answer any queries or questions you might have along the way. They’re also here to put things right quickly if something goes wrong.
It’s a busy but rewarding job, and all three team members share the enjoyment they get from their conversations with you – the people who make our work possible.
Zahrah, Senior Supporter Care Manager
For Zahrah, even though she’s not directly involved in providing cleft care, knowing that her efforts contribute to helping patients makes her job all worthwhile.
“It’s always lovely to hear from our supporters, the reasons why you donate to Operation Smile and your personal experiences,” she says.
There was one supporter who used to write to me. She used to sell a homemade condiment and send all the proceeds to OSUK. She told us it brought her so much joy knowing she was able to make a difference. Her daughter now continues doing the same in her memory.
Zahrah, Senior Supporter Care Manager
Sophia, Supporter Care Officer
Sophia loves the variety of a job where no two days are the same.
Always at the front of her mind is the lifechanging difference every penny makes to patients. And she’s quick to remind supporters, if they say they can “only” give a small amount each month. The generosity of every donation matters.
She recalls a conversation with one gentleman who had decided to support Operation Smile after the birth of his two granddaughters.
“I remember he wrote, ‘Everybody deserves a fair crack at life and happiness and if a simple operation gives them that then I’m happy to do what I can to help.’ His words have stuck with me ever since.”
I’ve had some truly motivating conversations that remind me why I choose this job every day. When I speak to a supporter who’s been in contact before, it’s like speaking to a friend.
Sophia, Supporter Care Officer
Amy, Supporter Care Officer
Amy is also moved by the conversations she has with supporters and your often very personal reasons for choosing to support Operation Smile.
She recalls a conversation with a lady who was inspired to donate, after her own experiences working overseas in places where healthcare access was limited.
“What really touched me was her passion for spreading awareness about the cause. She wanted to do everything she could to ensure more children received the care they deserved,” Amy says.
“It’s conversations like these that remind me of the powerful impact our supporters can have – not only through donations but also by raising awareness.”
Your dedication, whether through donations or spreading awareness, has an incredible impact on the children and families we serve. Every gesture, big or small, makes a difference.
Amy, Supporter Care Officer
Have a question, interested in donating or just having a friendly chat about our work? The team are here to help 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Contact Supporter Care by phone, email or post – they’d love to hear from you.