By Alex Winchell
At Montarev, we’re honored to work with Sonrisas, a Bozeman-based charity founded by Thor Truelson that provides essential post-surgical care for children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate conditions in Peru. Through their partnership with El Hospital del Niño in Lima, Sonrisas connects young patients with the care they need to lead healthier, more confident lives. It’s been a privilege for our team to help Sonrisas establish a professional online presence at sonrisasorg.net, and we’ve worked to address unique challenges that support their mission and enhance their reach.
Overcoming Challenges to Support a Worthy Cause
One of the essential steps was setting up a reliable online donation system. Fundraising is vital to Sonrisas’ ability to provide care in Peru, and we collaborated with Thor to integrate a secure, user-friendly donation platform. This allows supporters from all over to contribute directly, helping to sustain Sonrisas’ work with El Hospital del Niño.
Another requirement was ensuring donors received receipts automatically for tax purposes, streamlining record-keeping on both sides. We developed an automated system that generates a receipt with every donation, simplifying this process so Sonrisas can focus more on their work and less on administrative tasks.
To reach families in Peru directly, we created a Spanish-language page with program details and a contact form. This page provides local patients and their families an accessible way to learn about Sonrisas’ services and request assistance, strengthening the connection between Sonrisas and the communities it serves.
The Personal Connection
Thor Truelson is not only passionate about the mission but also has a fascinating background. Both he and I share the University of Minnesota as our alma mater, although he completed his studies a couple of decades before me. Originally from Minnesota, Thor has traveled extensively and speaks fluent Spanish, which has been invaluable in his work with Peruvian communities. His dedication to Sonrisas is evident, and he’s planning another trip to Peru soon to oversee the organization’s impact firsthand.
What’s Next for Sonrisas and Montarev
At Montarev, we’re excited to continue supporting Sonrisas as they expand their reach and help more families through their partnership with El Hospital del Niño. Working with them has been both rewarding and inspiring, and we’re proud to contribute to a cause that brings so much hope and healing.
