Smile Train Canada (STC) launched in 2009 with a mission to provide children in developing countries born with a cleft lip or palate the same opportunities in life as children born without. 

DONOR ADVISORY - CHARITY STATUS REVOKED BY CHARITIES DIRECTORATE

The CRA Charities Directorate audited Smile Train Canada and found the charity lacks direction and control of its resources, failed to carry out its own charity work, failed to allocate donations towards charity purposes, failed to maintain proper financial records and failed to file an accurate information return. The CRA Charities Directorate revoked the charity status of Smile Train Canada as of July 4, 2015.

In some countries children born with clefts are abandoned.  Most face difficulties eating and speaking.  Clefts are a large problem in developing countries, even though a simple surgery is available to correct this. STC advertises that for as little as $250 they can provide a child with free cleft lip and palate surgery.  STC partners with local doctors, providing free surgical training and education.

STC operates under an agency agreement with Smile Train, Inc. in the United States.  Smile Train, Inc. administers charitable activities and programs on behalf of STC. The charity reports that it has no paid employees.

In F2013, administrative costs were 2% of revenues and fundraising costs were 91% of donations (56% of total revenues), excluding $944k contributed by Smile Train Inc., which is included in other income.  Fundraising costs include $761k ($2.3m in F2012) for media space and direct mail advertising that the charity has classified as public education. STC’s funding reserves were $43k, which cover only 4% of annual program costs.

STC's auditor notes that there has been limited oversight and direction by those charged with governance of the organization, thereby inhibiting the organization's ability to actively continue operating.