Mandela Day, an annual global celebration that takes place on 18 July, invites us all to dedicate at least 67 minutes to meaningful acts of kindness. This year, the wine.co.za team partnered with the Heartlands Baby Sanctuary in Somerset West. Aligned with the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, we dedicated time and resources to support Heartlands' cause, joining a wider community effort that reminded us how powerful small acts of kindness can be.
Who is Heartlands Baby Sanctuary?
Established in May 2015 at the request of the Western Cape Department of Social Development, Heartlands Baby Sanctuary is a registered childcare centre that offers temporary residential safe‑care for up to 25 children, from birth to six years old. These vulnerable children – referred by hospitals, social services, or welfare agencies – find refuge under a court order while awaiting reunification, foster care, adoption, or transfer to long‑term care.
At its heart, Heartlands nurtures each child in a holistic and individualised way. Their mission? To provide a safe, loving, and healing environment – 24/7 – where children can flourish, regain trust, and develop essential health, cognitive, and emotional skills. Their vision rings clear: "It’s every child’s birthright to belong," a mantra woven into every activity.
Holistic care in action
Heartlands’ approach is multi‑disciplinary. The centre employs nurses, child‑care workers, social workers, occupational and stimulation therapists – all collaborating to nurture each child’s health, development, and emotional needs.
Children live in a homely environment – complete with playrooms, cosy beds, and therapy spaces – where they receive age‑appropriate immunisations, preventative care, developmental support, meals tailored to sensitive diets, and group or individual therapy aimed at building attachment and trust. While their ultimate goal is to reunite children with families, Heartlands also educates parents or foster caregivers to ensure successful returns post‑care.
Their holistic mandate extends to children facing complex hurdles – those affected by poverty, neglect, abuse, addiction, or intellectual challenges.
Mandela Week at Heartlands
For this year's Mandela Week, Heartlands published its Mandela Wishlist 2025 highlighting essentials urgently needed by the sanctuary. Various supporters, businesses, and community groups answered the call.
Deliveries flowed in – nappies, formula, warm blankets, books, toys, you name it – everything to make the children's lives little brighter. These donations don’t just fill shelves; they fill the rooms with hope and dignity.
The public was invited to tour and volunteer at the sanctuary. Visitors joined staff to help organise stores, stock play areas, and assist with routine care. Each act, no matter how small, reaffirmed Mandela’s legacy: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
A behind-the-scenes tour
A guided tour revealed how donations power the sanctuary’s lifeblood. Runika Miles, the stimulation coordinator, showed us the sanctuary's nurturing spaces – a childcare centre, a dining room, playrooms, cosy sleeping areas, and a therapy room.
Outside, we went on a tour of the Seeds of Hope Food Garden, consisting of an organic garden and a covered hydroponics garden. The garden is also home to a family of chickens that provides organic, free-range eggs.
How you can help
Heartlands Baby Sanctuary relies on community support to continue delivering compassionate care. You can contribute meaningfully:
- Check Heartlands' wish list: Take a look at Heartlands’ wish list for up‑to‑date needs – essentials like diapers, formula, toiletries and clothing.
- Donate online: Head to the donate page at heartlandsbaby.org/donate to make a secure contribution. Donations are tax-deductible, and every rand goes directly to the children’s needs.
- Volunteer time: Your presence matters. Lend a hand – spend time with the kids, assist in the garden or store, or help with events. Every minute makes a difference.
- Support their sustainability projects: By shopping at Heartlands’ Chic Boutique thrift store or Book Shop, you support their self-sustainability efforts. Their secondhand store sells immaculate secondhand clothing for children and adults, toys, homeware, and fresh produce from the garden.
Let’s join Heartlands – giving strength to the smallest among us – and ensure every child experiences their birthright to belong. Because belonging starts here, now, with us.