Contributing to a greater cause...
As most of our design range features beautiful children and new born babies, we thought what better charity to donate to then Watoto Bulrushes - a special home in Uganda that takes in, cares for and raises orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable infants.

That’s why we are pleased to announce our commitment to be a part of The Colour Sisterhood and donate $1 from every card sale to this special cause. As of November 2009, we have sold over 250 cards and raised just over $250.00 for Watoto Bulrushes.

Fundraiser ID WAT 1494
All proceeds raised through The Colour Sisterhood initiative will be donated to the work of Watoto Child Care Ministries.

The following information is from the official Watoto website | MORE

 Why a home just for infants?
There are many vulnerable babies in Uganda who are abandoned or orphaned due to poverty, lack of education, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Many of these babies need intense care and medical attention. Baby Watoto was started to provide the specialized care that these little ones need to give them the best possible start in life. The preemies and newborns who come to Baby Watoto often need an incubator, treatment for jaundice, oxygen, tube feeding, or IV drugs. Older malnourished babies can need special formula , tube feeding, and treatment for the many illnesses they come with. Some of our babies have been badly abused or neglected and suffer from major emotional trauma. Others just need lots of cuddles, clean nappies, and warm milk, before they are ready to move to our villages.  

What kind of babies come to Baby Watoto?
1.  Premature infants weighing less than 1 kilo to healthy 2 year olds.
2.  Malnourished and abused babies
3.  Abandoned infants
4.  Orphaned babies with no relations to care for them
5.  Babies whose families are completely unable to care for their needs

Where do the babies come from?
Our babies come to us from a number of different referral sources, such as: hospitals, police, child protection units, good Samaritans, or other homes and organizations.  They have been found in pit latrines (toilets), garbage dumps, under trees and bushes, buckets of water, and on doorsteps. Even if a baby did not come to us from government officials, we are legally able to provide immediate care for them while we pursue the necessary reports and the custody documents are processed.

How is the home set up?
An old clinic in one of Kampala’s residential neighbourhoods was purchased and renovated. Its location in the city centre and its proximity to established infrastructure such as water and electricity make it an ideal location. The compound is lush and green with lots of space for playing in the sun. The home itself has 8 rooms arranged around a central covered courtyard where the babies play and eat. One is used for an office and one for medical care. The other six are for preemies and newborns, 2-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months. This set-up allows us to care for up to 75 babies at any one time. Our babies are assigned to a nanny who will remain their primary caregiver through the duration of their time at Baby Watoto. This helps them learn to bond and reduces the chance of their having attachment issues later in life. Each nanny has 2-4 babies, depending on the age and type of care needed. When they move to the Watoto villages as toddlers, their group will remain together (in one or two adjoining houses) and the nanny will accompany them to ease their transition into their permanent families. Our nannies and volunteers work in two shifts (day and night) and live off the property. We also have staff to clean, process laundry (a big job!), and cook fresh baby food. Many people want to be involved with Baby Watoto either through sponsoring,donating or visiting the home.

To find out more about these works visit the website for MORE information.