The Little Optimist Trust

Cape Town, South Africa

Children & YouthMental healthHealthEducationTax-deductible donations

CharityFounded 2017National reach

Profile last updated: June 29, 2026

About

Founded in 2017, The Little Optimist Trust is a charity based in Cape Town, South Africa working on children & youth, mental health, health +1 more.

The Little Optimist Trust is a registered South African trust and public benefit organisation based at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Founded in 2017 by Greg Bertish, it aims to inspire marginalised and at-risk children to look to the future with hope. It runs sailing therapy and development sailing programmes using Optimist dinghies, renovates under-resourced children's health and education facilities to create safe spaces, and organises the Great Optimist Race to raise funds and awareness for partner charities. Donations are eligible for Section 18A tax certificates.

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Founded

2017

Organisation type

Charity

Legal form

Trust

Charity number

PBO Number: 930060059

Focus areas

sailing therapychild mental healthsafe spacesyouth developmentCape Town

Languages

Causes & programmes

Causes

Children & YouthMental healthHealthEducation

Works for

ChildrenYouthPatientsPeople in poverty

How they work

Direct servicesAwareness & educationCommunity programmes

Programmes

Sailing Therapy Academy

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Mental health · South Africa

Uses Optimist dinghy sailing and therapeutic activities to build confidence, skills and hope for marginalised and at-risk children and youth in Cape Town.

Safe Space creation

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Health · South Africa

Renovates, paints and upgrades under-resourced paediatric health care and education facilities to create safe, positive environments for children.

Blue Mind programme

Mental health · South Africa

Uses ocean-based activities and teaching on ocean health, water safety and the growth mindset to support children's wellbeing and life skills.

Countries of operation

South Africa

Funding & support

Funded by

Individual donationsCorporate partnerships

Ways to support

DonateSponsorshipFundraiseShopCorporate partnershipVolunteer

Trust

Tax-deductible donations

Credentials & affiliations

Awards

Incubation Hub Invitee

Laureus Sports for Good Foundation2024

Laureus Sport for Good Grant winner and laureate

Laureus Sports for Good Foundation2026

Joint winner, Dame Charity Award

Dame Charity Award Amsterdam2019

IOC Advanced Olympism 365 laureate and grant recipient

International Olympic Committee2025

Partnerships

NSRI, Sharkspotters, Newborns Trust, Two Oceans Aquarium, 9 Miles Project, Sentinel Ocean, CANSA, Groot Schuur Organ Donors, Reach for a Dream, Lawhill Academy, Chapel & York