Nisha’s Birthday Campaign Delivers R102,581 in Support for Breath of Life

Nisha’s Birthday Campaign Young South African with Cerebral Palsy uses birthday to help vulnerable babies

Photo Cred: Nisha Varghese

For a few years now, Nisha Varghese has used her birthday as an opportunity to give back to a cause close to her heart, and this year was no different, inspiring 60 supporters to raise over R102,000 to deliver essential care, comfort, and joy to the children at Breath of Life.

East London, South Africa (22 September 2026) – In honour of her 35th birthday on 25 March 2026, Nisha Varghese invited people to celebrate with her by giving towards the babies and children cared for at Breath of Life. A cause close to her heart and a charity she has where she has volunteered since 20 January 2018.

What began as her annual birthday campaign quickly grew into something much bigger than a number on a fundraising page. A total of 60 people came together to contribute R102,581.70, turning her initial goal of raising R35,000 into an incredible opportunity to provide practical, everyday support to the children who depend on the centre.

Every contribution has helped meet needs that are fundamental to a child’s wellbeing. In numbers, R9,219.52 went toward nappies and formula, R13,459.65 toward food, R1,750.00 to relief carers, R1,310.54 to medical care, and R76,841.99 contributed to staff salaries and wages.

Nisha shares that the first month (April) of fund distribution focused on one of the most basic and ongoing needs in the home: formula and nappies.

“This initial contribution helped ensure that essential supplies could continue to be provided to the babies in the home.”

In May, the campaign funds were used across a wider range of needs, reflecting the many different costs involved in caring for children.

“The largest portion of May’s spending contributed towards salaries and wages. While this may not be the most visible part of caring for children, it is one of the most important,” Nisha said, explaining that the babies need people present around the clock to feed them, comfort them, change them, watch over them and respond to their individual needs.

By June, the remaining funds were used to continue meeting the children’s daily needs and supporting the people who care for them.

“With the June expenditure, the full R102,581.70 raised through the campaign was utilised.”

Nisha got to celebrate her actual birthday with the babies who bring her heart as much joy as she brings to theirs. From balloon fun to sweet treats shared with the little ones, the day brought a warmth better felt than described.

Reflecting on the difference and financial relief her birthday campaign was able to make possible, Nisha noted that it is easy to look at a fundraising total and see only a figure. But, she says, R102,581.70 represents much more than R102,581.70.

“It represents the love you [donors] showed the children you see in the images above. It represents bottles prepared and babies fed. Nappies available when they were needed. Food in the kitchen. Medical needs being attended to. Relief carers being supported. And, importantly, it helped contribute towards the salaries and wages of the people entrusted with caring for these children every day.”

To the 60 people who gave, Nisha thanks you. You helped turn her 35th birthday into something that reached far beyond herself. Instead of simply marking another year of her life, you helped make a tangible difference in the lives of children who had nothing to do with her birthday, but everything to do with why she chose to celebrate it this way.

In her own heartfelt words:

“Thank you. I am deeply grateful to every person who contributed to #Nisha35. Thank you for trusting me with your generosity and for choosing to celebrate my birthday by helping provide for children at Breath of Life.”