Our Impact

Forever Young at Alta du Toit: A Place Where Joy Never Grows Old

They say that six-year-olds laugh up to 300 times a day, while adults may only manage 15 to 100 laughs. Somewhere along the way, we trade wonder for worry, play for productivity. But not at the Alta du Toit Centre, where laughter rings out daily—not as a break from reality, but as a way of life.

Tucked away in the heart of Bellville, this extraordinary Centre is home to people with intellectual disabilities—individuals who experience the world with open hearts, radiant curiosity, and a childlike honesty that most of us lose as we age. Their joy is not naïve; it’s unfiltered, rooted in authenticity, and lived out with freedom and grace. They are not stuck in childhood—they’ve simply held on to the parts of it that matter most.

This spirit—of wonder, joy, and resilience—is what “Forever Young” means at Alta du Toit. It’s not a slogan; it’s a philosophy that infuses every moment. From painting sessions and juice-fueled parties, to movie nights under the stars and monthly ‘sokkies’ (social dances), residents live in a world crafted to celebrate them just as they are. And when November rolls around, the annual SOS camp brings a dose of outdoor adventure, laughter, and community beyond the Centre’s walls.

Each resident is part of something meaningful. Whether it’s packing goodie bags through partnerships with Spar and Dala, or expressing their creativity through knitting, baking, or gardening, every task is an opportunity for pride and self-worth. These are not just activities—they’re moments of achievement that prove contribution doesn’t need to follow traditional rules to be valuable.

Health and safety are never an afterthought. With a dedicated medical unit and strict medication protocols, families know that their loved ones are cared for in every sense. Events like the Valentine’s Ball, co-hosted with NG Kenridge Church, offer glamour and celebration, ensuring that no one is left out of the magic of feeling special and seen.

At its heart, Alta du Toit is about creating a life filled with purpose, dignity, and joy. It’s a place where residents don’t just live—they thrive. Their curiosity, warmth, and zest for life remind us of Bob Dylan’s wish: “May you stay forever young.”

But this magic doesn’t happen in isolation. As a programme of Badisa, one of South Africa’s leading social welfare organizations, Alta du Toit depends on community support to maintain and grow its life-changing work. These individuals need more than a helping hand today—they need a future built on consistent, loving care.

By supporting Alta du Toit, you’re not just giving—they’re giving back in laughter, joy, and the most genuine kind of human connection. You’re helping ensure that our residents can remain exactly as they are: forever discovering, forever fabulous, forever themselves—forever young.