Feed the Nation Foundation Backs Healing Through Play at Sunshine & Smiles Festival

The Western Cape is home to hundreds of child and youth care centres, many of which face increasing pressure due to underfunding, staff burnout and the complex trauma experienced by children in their care. The Sunshine & Smiles Festival held this past weekend in Cape Town, saw a day of connection, play and emotional healing for hundreds of children from care facilities across the Western Cape.

Feed the Nation Foundation (FTN), together with LED Lighting SA, Sisanda FunDaytion, and the City of Cape Town, have partnered on this annual festival, which was designed to respond to these challenges, by prioritising emotional healing through connection and play. The festival brought together vulnerable children for a structured, play-based experience designed to support emotional wellbeing alongside physical care. Activities included music, dance, arts and crafts, obstacle courses and free play, creating a safe space where children could feel seen, included and supported.

“Food security is essential, but it’s not enough on its own,” says Deirdre Mullins from Feed the Nation Foundation. “Children also need emotional safety and connection to thrive. Play-based, child-centred interventions allow children to process trauma, build confidence and develop the life skills they need for the future.”

Sisanda FunDaytion Director Nicky Seymour says play is a child’s natural language. “When children feel safe, they can begin to regulate, connect and grow. Through play, children who have experienced loss or instability are able to express emotions, build trust and rediscover joy.”

The initiative was led by LED Lighting SA CEO Shawn Godfrey, who brought together government, NGO and business partners to combine resources, logistics and skills. “Private companies have more to offer than funding alone,” says Godfrey. “We can provide structure, administration and networks that allow NGOs to focus on impact.”

“Ad-hoc charity offers short-term relief,” adds Mullins. “But long-term partnerships build trust, continuity and real impact. When children are supported holistically, communities become stronger and more resilient.”

Sunshine & Smiles demonstrates what is possible when business, civil society and government work together around child wellbeing.

“Together, we don’t just host events,” says Mullins. “We build resilience. We restore hope. And we invest in South Africa’s future.”