About The Little Optimist Trust
Our main aim is to Inspire Kids to SURVIVE and THRIVE.
SURVIVE
Optimism is a potent health tonic and through our programs, talks, books and documentary we inspire kids to be optimistic despite their present situation.
THRIVE
In partnership with our key sponsors we fundraise and assist to renovate and refurbish paediatric health care, primary care and education facilities
Our main beneficiaries are vulnerable children, be they marginalized economically or have compromised health.
Find out more about the Trust below
We are a registered TRUST, certified Public Benefit Organization and registered NPO. All donations are eligible for a Section 18a Tax Certificate and The Little Optimist Trust is a B-BBEEE Level 1 Contributor.
PBO Number: 930060059
NPO Number: 228- 978 NPO
Changing one’s outlook affects your mental health and your ability to tackle life’s challenges. The main aim of our programs is to inspire the children to look past their present circumstances and look to the future with hope and possibility.
Our programs run throughout the year.
PROGRAMS
- Visits to hospitals and health care facilities
- Visits to youth centers, schools and after care facilities.
- The Little Optimist Sailing Academy
- Sailing Therapy and Growth Mindset Programs and workbooks
Little Optimist Trust Projects
We care not only for the mental state of our beneficiaries but also look to their physical needs. Each year, in consultation with our sponsors and key partners, we select institutions and facilities to upgrade.
We have renovated, painted and beautified the following health and education facilities:
- Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital – 2017
- Maitland Children’s Hospital – 2018
- Edendale Hospital – 2018/19
- Umthawelanga Educare Creche, Mfuleni – 2019
- The Youth Centre at Groote Schuur Hospital 2020
- Holy Cross Children’s Home – Therapy House, 2021
- Durbanville Children’s home – bathrooms, 2022 (current)
- Astra Special School – bathrooms and dormitory rooms, 2022 (current)
Our current project for 2022 is at Astra Special School
Social Partners:
The Little Optimists are a squad of young people who embody the values of The Little Optimist: they are Brave, they have Heart, they never give up! Meet the real life heroes HERE
Greg Bertish – Managing Trustee
Daniel Kantor – LLB Lawyer
Derrick Mills – MBA, Finance
Cara De Vogel – Operations Manager
Greg Bertish – Managing Trustee
Amir Yaghya – Lead Instructor
Shane Joseph – Lead Instructor
Erica Burger – Sailing Therapy Program Manager
Adrienne Coleman – Admin/Facilitator
Trust Strategic/ Business Consultant – Veda Pretorius
