Learn all about the journey of the Optimist
"I know ME as an adult, would have helped ME as a kid, to believe in myself sooner, dream bigger and reach for more quicker. I believe I can do this for thousands of sick, needy and very average kids. Help the Little Optimist and I to inspire them!" Greg Bertish
A little boat with a Huge heart
Optimist (noun): definition = An optimist is a person who engages in positive thinking, or “looking on the bright side” of things. Optimism is the outlook that good things will happen, even if the situation may not appear totally positive at the moment.
An Optimist Dinghy: definition = The Optimist is a small (8 foot by 3.5 foot), single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15. The Optimist (Opi) is known as a small Childs sailing dinghy, a bit of toy rather than a yacht.
The Little Optimist was created to be a character, a metaphor and vehicle to connect with kids, to promote positive thinking and belief, and to create a passion and purpose to overcome obstacles in life. Through his humanitarian work with children, Greg saw that many marginalized and compromised kids (and everyday people) in South Africa, had very little to live for. They had a lack of hope, passion and desire to follow their dreams. As a child, he too lacked confidence, had bad acne, was a poor student and was bullied. He later endured 200 days in hospital and underwent 2 open heart surgeries due to an undiagnosed Tropical Bacteria that attacked his heart valves. Using his life-changing experiences and adventures, Greg created the story of The Little Optimist, a tiny boat with a huge heart. A little character that inspires kids to overcome their circumstances, to do good, to be optimistic and to never ever give up.
To boldly go where no Optimist has gone before!
Our Mission
What The Little Optimist does
Mission: To inspire many, raise funds for those in need, and to just Do Good!
AIM
Using The Little Optimist storybooks, movies and documentary, we aim to inject optimism and belief into young kids. It is the way of the Optimist! Our aim is to instil resilience and happiness in their lives by inspiring them to get better, be better and to follow their passions and dreams. Our hope is that we can teach them a skill, create passion and purpose in their lives and ensure that in life, they never ever give up.
Learn about what The Little Optimist offers you
Book
Optimism is a potent health tonic and through our programs, talks, books and documentary we inspire kids to be optimistic despite their present situation.
BUY A PRESENT OF PASSION, INSPIRATION AND HOPE
For Each 1 YOU donate, WE donate another 1 FREE on your behalf as well.
Speaker
After beating the odds, and 200 days in hospital, Greg survived & thrives. The power of positive thought and the strength of the human spirit have helped him piece back his life and his lifestyle.
Sailing Therapy
As a bullied and insecure child, Greg found relief and self healing through sailing his little optimist dinghy. Through the Trust Greg has designed and helps run Sailing Therapy Programs. These Sailing Therapy experiences and programs play a key role in helping kids who are compromised either health or socio-economically wise, to overcome their physical and mental hardships.
Movie
Optimism is a potent health tonic and through our programs, talks, books and documentary we inspire kids to be optimistic despite their present situation.
Awards
Greg Bertish, joint winner of the 2019 METS DAME awards in Amsterdam. Awarded in recognition of charity work carried out by The Little Optimist Trust in South Africa.
Charity
Optimism is a potent health tonic and through our programs, talks, books and documentary we inspire kids to be optimistic despite their present situation.
What people say
The Little Optimist
