Dr Darryl Hodgkinson and his Operation Restore Hope Australia charity mission have just returned again from the Philippines, where they operated on more than 100 children with cleft lip and palate and also some burn victims.
There were two medical teams, one in the Paranaque district of Manila and the other in Cebu island. Dr Hodgkinson said how grateful he was to his many cosmetic patients here in Sydney who support Operation Restore Hope Australia.
"This charity has not only brought great balance and enrichment into my life and the lives of the staff at the clinic, but also to the many patients, friends and associated businesses who support us."

In the nearly 10 years the mission has been in the Philippines, the work has expanded to include two hospitals, one in Manila and one in Cebu.
In working with the same hospital and community the mission has been able to watch its children grow up and reap the benefits of doing such life-changing surgery - making it possible for a child to smile.

An International Team
The medical team headed by Dr Hodgkinson included plastic surgeons, anaesthetists, dentists and nurses from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Germany and Ireland. Despite the international talent volunteered by the medical team, Operation Restore Hope Australia is still an Australian initiative. One of the major differences in the last few years has been the overwhelming support that the charity has received from the Australian-Filipino community in helping with the organisation both here and in the Philippines.
Operation Restore Hope Australia does not spend one cent on administration but has all its administrative services volunteered.

Sponsorship for a child is about $400. Membership is only $10 per year with a one time $10 application fee.