To mark World Red Cross Day (Thursday 8 May), businesses, institutions and individuals are joining forces for the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) Soft-toy Drive.
Spearheaded by Gordon’s Bay Tourism and the Gordon’s Bay Business Association, the heartwarming initiative has established donation drop-off points at various businesses across the seaside village of the Helderberg basin.
Asked about the inspiration for its support, Juanita Wilson of Gordon’s Bay Tourism explained she and Gordon’s Bay Security’s Heyns de Waal, representing the Gordon’s Bay Business Association, reviewed the 2025 marketing calendar and sought to create a meaningful event for the May highlight, which is World Red Cross Day.
“Given De Waal’s involvement in the emergency and security sector, he recognised an opportunity to collaborate with AMS and proposed a helicopter collection of teddy bears for the day. Following a few calls, everything quickly came together,” she said.
Wilson added that the date also commemorates the 1828 birth of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
She further noted that the drive aims to collect as many soft toys for distribution to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and affiliated facilities across the country, spreading comfort and cheer to young patients.
“The soft toys will benefit patients by offering comfort, emotional support and companionship, providing something personal to love and draw strength from in the unfamiliar hospital environment,” Wilson said.
“This is a small but powerful source of hope and healing, as we know from experience. Our goal is to collect more than 1 000 soft toys.”
Final collection 6 May
The soft-toy drive commenced on Monday 7 April, with the involvement of local businesses and the distribution of donation boxes.
It then extended to the broader Helderberg community on Friday 11 April.
The drive will conclude with a final collection scheduled for Tuesday 6 May, culminating in the grand helicopter event on Thursday morning (8 May).
“This campaign isn’t just about teddies, it’s about compassion, community and connection,” Wilson explained.
“We want the world to know that Gordon’s Bay is a place where kindness takes flight, quite literally! Whether you donate a bear or spread the word, you’re helping to create a movement of hope that we believe will grow year after year.”
Valued donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Mountain View Spar; Madagascar at Gordon’s Bay Mall; Baykem Alpha Pharmacy (Village Centre); Pitstop Lodge (Clarence Drive); The Thirsty Oyster at the Old Harbour; Krystal Beach Hotel; Gordon’s Bay Tourism; Gordon’s Bay Stay; Gordon’s Bay Security; Spur Sunset Bay; The PC Surgeon (Old Cape Mall); Gordon’s Bay Charity Chest; Kolskoot Radio; Vokkies Biltong; Blue Crane Funeral Services; Café Zest Mediterranean; Strand Municipality; Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club; and Gordon’s Bay Primary and Stratford House Pre-School (for scholar drop-offs only).
All sorts of soft toys welcome
The soft toys can be new, pre-loved or handmade – all sorts are welcome as long as they are clean and cuddly. Please note, only donations of soft toys will be accepted, and no monetary contributions.
“As the collection boxes fill up, the toys are gathered and securely stored by Gordon’s Bay Security in preparation for delivery. On 8 May AMS helicopters will swoop in to collect the toys in a symbolic and heartfelt gesture,” Wilson said.
“AMS will begin the delivery at our local Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, where 300 teddies will be distributed, ensuring every child there receives a soft toy. From there AMS will fly the remaining soft toys to their bases in each province across the country. Each AMS base will coordinate the distribution of the toys to their local Red Cross-affiliated facilities, making sure the gifts reach children in need nationwide.”
Commenting on the community’s response to the drive, Wilson said the support has been “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Local businesses and community members have jumped on the band wagon with enthusiasm, and soft toys are already coming in by the armful. One of the biggest challenges has been providing enough collection boxes for all the businesses that wanted to participate!”
Beyond bringing joy and comfort to child patients, Wilson said, they also want to put Gordon’s Bay on the map. “Showcasing our warmhearted community, beautiful surroundings and vibrant local businesses, we hope this initiative contributes to tourism and economic growth for our town.”
Wilson further noted their plan to make the drive an annual and ever-expanding provincial initiative, the helicopter collection remaining a signature event in Gordon’s Bay.
For regular updates on the drive follow the Gordon’s Bay Tourism Facebook page or check the events calendar at gordonsbay.travel.
