In the hospitality world, linens are replaced regularly to maintain high standards for guests. But at Gondwana Collection, that doesn’t mean the end of the road for sheets and duvet covers. Through the Gondwana Care Trust, these gently used items are given a new purpose, bringing comfort to children and youth in need across Namibia.
Instead of discarding the linen from our lodges, we collect and repurpose it for a cause close to our hearts. The Care Trust carefully sorts these items before donating them to school hostels and orphanage homes throughout the country. What was once bedding in a luxury lodge becomes a warm blanket or soft sheet for a child far from home.
Bet-El Hostel team together with Kalahari Farmhouse team
Many of the hostels and homes we work with are under-resourced, with limited funding for even the most basic necessities. For these children, some of whom have no family support, something as simple as a clean pillowcase or a fresh set of sheets can offer a small sense of comfort and belonging. It’s a reminder that they are seen, and they are cared for.
This initiative is about more than just recycling; it’s about connection. It’s about taking something that still has value and giving it to someone who truly needs it. It’s about reducing waste while spreading kindness.
Bet-El Hostel rooms with donated linens
We’re grateful to our teams at the lodges who take such good care of the linen and help us ensure it’s in great condition before it’s passed on. And we’re thankful to the teachers, caretakers, and children who welcome these items into their spaces with open arms.
A warm bed can’t fix everything, but it’s a start.
Author: Zipporah Nandjala
Photos: Gondwana Collection Namibia