History

It all began one night in 1936 when a baby was found in a basket on her doorstep at her home in Mayfair, Johannesburg. Matron Dorothy Reece took the baby into her home and cared for it. She continued this work in a small way until she ran out of resources after her husband passed away.

When the public became aware of her efforts through a story published by the Sunday Times, thousands of rand came in, allowing her to move to bigger premises where she could continue providing for the little ones in her care – babies who had been abandoned as a result of death, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and divorce. By 1942, she had cared for more than 600 little ones – most of whom were sick or had special needs.

Although a physically small woman, spiritually she was a mountain of strength with pioneering capability. “Granny” Reece – as she had come to be known – was driven purely by the passion to correct the wrongs these innocent children had to suffer. When she retired in 1960, she left with very few worldly goods, mainly because half of her salary was reinvested into the sanctuary – her wealth could be found in precious memories.

Matron Dorothy Reece’s heroic devotion was the offset to the organisation Cotlands has become today… and continues to fulfil her purpose by providing for little ones deprived of care.

Cotlands Time-line

1892

• Matron Dorothy Reece is born on 25 December in Firthcliffe, Orange County, New Jersey, USA as Dorothy Pearl Greenberg (later Reinberg)

1934

• Dorothy Reinberg marries Thomas Reece on 8 September at Johannesburg

1936

• Matron Reece starts Cotlands after having treated children in her own home

1942

• The Public Health Department requests Matron Reece to make alterations to the home. Unable to do this due to financial constraints, Matron Reece decides to close the home. After an appeal by the Sunday Times raised 4000 pounds (currency used at the time), the home was registered as a charitable institution

1944

• Thomas Reece passes away on 23 July

1952

• The home moves to a larger home in Kenilworth. Strict vetting procedures are put in place for prospective adoptive parents, due to a nationwide shortage of babies

1953

• The sanctuary is opened

1955

• The Sunday Express newspaper runs an article on 17 April headlined “Which would you save?” highlighting the plight of Cotlands. The article, featuring John Walker of radio fame, was run against the background of a protest march in Johannesburg due to the proposed closure of the Standard Theatre

1958

• Babies from Cotlands attract a lot of attention at the Rand Easter Show when they are brought to the Cotlands wishing well

1959

• Matron Reece is awarded the woman of the year award. Plans are also made for a new home

1960

• Matron Reece retires

1961

• Matron Reece gets the process going for the new Cotlands Baby Sanctuary building in Turffontein, Johannesburg on 22 March

1962

• Cotlands institute baby care classes for prospective parents

1963

• In collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand, Cotlands offer training in baby-sitting
• The new Cotlands Building in Stanton Street, Turffontein is opened by MR. B.J. Vorster, the Minister of Justice

1967

• Matron Dorothy Pearl Reece passes away

1976

• An appeal is launched in the Southern Courier newspaper for more female volunteers at Cotlands

1978

• Another appeal is launched in the Southern Courier newspaper, this time for support of Cotlands fundraising efforts

1982

• Peter the Parrot, a pet of Matron Reece’s and a Cotlands institution, passes away. An appeal is made to the public for the donation of another parrot to Cotlands

1990

• Alta Le Roux takes the helm

1993

• The Cotlands Nursery School opened
• Beginning of Impact of HIV/AIDS research project
• Tin Project started

1994

• Cotlands presentation to Nelson Mandela at Union Buildings
• Launch of new corporate logo

1995

• A telethon held by Radio 702 raises R1, 2 million for Cotlands

1996

• The AIDS Hospice at Cotlands is opened
• A billboard campaign is run with Highveld Stereo
• Cotlands turns 60
• Union representation for staff

1997

• Formulated policy guidelines for children infected/affect with HIV/AIDS
• Unveiling of Cotlands Memorial Wall at West Park Cemetery

1998

• Started community outreach
• Sold promo items for sustainable project
• Joined Children’s Charity Trust
• Opened Human Resources Department

1999

• Home  Based Care and Support in Gauteng and Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal

2000

• Tin Project expanded to KwaZulu-Natal

2001

• Cotlands turns 65
• Quest for national presence and centre of excellence
• First group of children start Big School

2002

• Investigate need to open hospice in the Western Cape
• Develop Training Department
• Jackie Schoeman appointed as Executive Director

2003

• Implement Antiretroviral Treatment for relevant children
• Opening of Western Cape Hospice in Somerset West
• Launch of the Cotlands/Chris Hani Baragwanath HIV/AIDS counselling project

2004

• Opening of Cotlands Nutrition Project in Eastern Cape

2005

• Acquisition of Macassar Haven in Macassar, Western Cape

2006

• Cotlands celebrates 70 years
• Opening of Everest Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Mpumalanga
• Opening of Cotlands House

2007

• Opening of Cotlands Community centre in Soweto, Johannesburg

2009

• Opening of Tirelong Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in North West
• Opening of Toy Library in KwaZulu-Natal
• Acquisition of property in Reeston, Eastern Cape
• Partnership with St Mary’s for older school-going children – the first group of children were transferred to St Mary’s.

2010

• Cotlands celebrates the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with the world
• Macassar Haven becomes a community centre
• Opening of Toy Library in Eastern Cape
• Opening of Toy Library in Gauteng
• Acquisition of new property in KwaZulu-Natal

2011

• Cotlands celebrates 75 years of service to orphaned and vulnerable children
• Opening of Early Childhood Development centre at Macassar Haven community centre