Fondazione Sozzani hosts Progetto Sorriso nel Mondo Onlus, which presents Charity Pop Up, an annual event created in 2006 from an idea by Wal Torres and Sara Sozzani Maino and organized in collaboration with Daniel Munari.
The fundraising event to support Progetto Sorriso Onlus' activities is accompanied by a rich program of events and activities scheduled throughout the weekend. The heart of the event is the opportunity to contribute thanks to donations from leading fashion, perfume, and niche skincare brands, which will help raise funds.
Progetto Sorriso nel Mondo Onlus has been working in Bangladesh since 1997, and in Africa (Congo and Burundi) since 2005, focusing primarily on the correction of facial malformations and burn treatment. Facial malformations are among the most common congenital defects worldwide, affecting an average of one in a thousand children. In rich countries, they are treated within a few months of life, and the common man feels that they no longer exist. In poor countries, the skills and resources are often lacking, and, in fact, they are not treated adequately. Every year, Progetto Sorriso nel Mondo Onlus returns to these countries and carries out its activities in the same facility and at the same time of year, thus offering a point of reference and a place of hope for hundreds of people without financial means. All services and activities are carried out voluntarily. This allows for surgical procedures to be performed at very low costs, 150,00 euros per procedure.
Since 1997, over 6,400 procedures have been performed. Most were to correct facial malformations, such as cleft lip and palate and facial clefts, as well as procedures to treat tumors of the face and neck, and plastic surgery to correct burns. Over the years, more than 15,000 patients, mostly children, have been seen and treated. Proceeds from previous editions have been used to complete numerous important projects: the construction of operating rooms at Mymensingh Hospital and the purchase of surgical aspirators for the Santa Maria Sick Assistance Hospital in Khulna, Bangladesh, as well as supporting the healthcare activities of the missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Progetto Sorriso nel Mondo Onlus also supports local training programs for healthcare workers, as well as integrated health, nutrition, and literacy education projects for hundreds of minors in every country where it operates.
Fondazione Sozzani is a cultural institution established in Milan by Carla Sozzani in 2016 for the promotion of photography, culture, fashion, and the arts. The Foundation has assumed the patronage of the Carla Sozzani Gallery and continues the important public function the gallery has performed since 1990. Sara Sozzani Maino curates and coordinates projects dedicated to education, responsibility, and next-generation creatives.
Charity Pop Up – Progetto Sorriso nel Mondo Onlus
December 13 and 14, 2025
Fondazione Sozzani
Via Tazzoli 3 - 20154
fondazionesozzani.org
