Havaianas’ Design-A-Smile Campaign
It is October once again, and it is the month of smiles and happiness being spread around. In commemoration of the Smile Month, Havaianas is extending its arms to reach out and truly make thousands of Filipino children smile.
Havaianas launched “Design a Smile”, a philanthropic campaign that aims to raise funds and awareness for the plight of young children with facial deformities. This is in partnership with Operation Smile, a non-profit, volunteer medical organization that provides assistance and healthcare to children with cleft palates and other facial deformities who need/seek reconstructive surgery.
This is a chance for children to show their artistic chops and, at the same time, contribute for a good cause.
Design a Smile on Flip-flops
Havaianas is a world famous brand of flip-flops and is a favorite among the younger age groups. Using this edge, the “Design-A-Smile” Campaign calls for children ages 5-12 years old to put their creative toes forward and submit their entries in a designing competition. Participants are to design the soles of Havaianas flip-flops based on the theme “What makes you smile?”
The contests will be hosted by the Havaianas outlets throughout the country and will be held as one-day-events in the Ayala Malls and other malls nationwide, from October 16 until November 14. Just bring your kids, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and brothers and sisters to the Ayala Malls on any of the event days.
Here in Cagayan de Oro, the contest will be held on October 31, 2010 (Sunday) at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall, from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Mechanics
Guardians have to accompany the participating kids, register (no fees!), and fill up and sign an official entry form (one form per contestant). You can also give donations to Operation Smile upon registration. This does not, however, affect the outcome of the contest.
Contestants are provided with a flip-flop and art materials. They are only allowed to use five colors for their design. Each contestant is given 30 minutes to complete his/her work. Copied, copyrighted or trademarked designs are not allowed. Afterwards, contestants will be asked to explain their design in one sentence, to be written in the entry form.
As soon as their 30 minutes is up, contestants should submit their entry forms or they may be disqualified. Contestants may only join the contest once. If there are double entries, the organizers will only credit the first entry.
After the last contest day, all entries will be screened and the top designs will be published on the official website for public voting. The winning design will then be produced as a special edition Havaianas flip-flops and a percentage of the proceeds will go to Operation Smile.
Contest Prizes
The top three winners will receive cool prizes and gifts certificates from Havaianas, KidSports, Orange Juice, Faber-Castell, Polaroid, and a summer creativity workshop by My Masterpiece Movement.
Fostering the Spirit of Giving
“Design-A-Smile” is a very effective campaign to stir the involvement of the youth in helping children with facial deformities, and to further nurture their enthusiasm to help the needy and participate in other similar causes.
With Christmas just around the corner, it is never too early to rekindle the spirit of giving among the young Filipinos.
-Jay Daphne Bual-
