Little Dutch x Sophia

As you might know, Little Dutch is a proud ambassador of the Friends of Sophia Foundation since 2019. This foundation contributes to the Erasmus-MC Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam. We started our first collaboration a year ago: the Sophia cuddle doll. The past year we’ve tried our best to sell as many Sophia dolls as possible and raise money for the foundation, so we would be able to hand over a big cheque. It was our goal to raise €50,000 within a year. Our collegue Natascha will tell you everything about how this collaboration came together and if we reached our goal.

How did Little Dutch end up with the Friends of Sophia Foundation?
“The first contact with the foundation was already at the end of 2018. They annually organize the Sophia Lichtjesdiner (Diner of Lights) where various items are auctioned, from holidays to toys. We were asked to donate our wooden scooter for the auction. And with success, it then raised no less than €1500!”

And how did a long-term collaboration emerge from that?
“At that time we regularly received requests from people, companies or charities to sponsor something. Most of the time we agreed, but owners Ad and Rinke felt that as a brand we could do even more for society. We actually wanted to commit ourselves 100% to a goal, so that we could really do something for a certain charity. Preferably something that has to do with children, after all we are a children's brand. At that point I immediately thought of the Friends of the Sophia Foundation. ”

Why did you choose this foundation?
“The foundation stands for the best care for every child. They provide financial support to the hospital for important matters that are not directly related to medical care. These are often extras, such as things that make the stay of the children and their parents in the children's hospital more pleasant. We thought this was something we could certainly help them with. And in addition of this, the foundation offers financial aid for scientific research. This is so important, so we would like to give them a helping hand. After our first meeting with the people behind the foundation and a tour of the hospital, there was no longer any doubt. We want to commit ourselves to this foundation!”

How did the idea for the Sophia doll come about?
“During this meeting they told us that it was a long-cherished to have their mascot, the red-haired girl in the yellow dotted pajamas, as a doll. Rinke immediately saw opportunities. At the time we already had the cuddle dolls Jim and Rosa in our collection, so how nice would it be if we could add Sophia to this collection. And even better: to raise money for the foundation! ”

And how did it go on?
“Rinke then started designing with her entire team. The first sketches were drawn by the collegues of design team and together with the sales team we approached retailers to also buy the doll, so that would even raise more money. When we thought the Sophia doll was perfect, we showed her for the first time at the Diner of Lights of that year, where we previously auctioned our scooter. The reactions were fantastic and about 3300 pieces were sold!”

Were the Little Dutch fans enthusiastic too?
“In February last year we had a stand at the Negenmaandenbeurs, a large baby and children’s fair. In addition to our own stand, we also set up a special Sophia stand with the help of sponsors. Our colleagues, but also volunteers from the hospital, enthusiastically brought the doll to the attention of the visitors of the fair. And even Dutch singer Davina Michelle helped us with the sale of Sophia. From that moment on, the cuddly doll was also for sale in our webshop and many different (online) stores throughout Europe. ”

Is the Sophia doll the only thing you did for the foundation this year?
"No definitely not! We have donated toys at various times, such as a wooden kitchen and workbench for the playroom of the hospital. And on World Prematurday we visited the Neonatology department. We have had special hydrophilic cloths and hats made, which they can use well for the little ones in the children’s hospital. But the focus was definitely on Sophia. Around Christmas time we made one last call to our Little Dutch fans, staff and business contacts, to sell extra dolls and to bring in donations. That gave a good boost at the end of the year. ”

Have you reached the target amount?
“To be honest, I thought it was a bit exciting. Our goal was to raise € 50,000 and of course we wanted to achieve that. But together we have raised an even higher amount. Due to the sale of the Sophia doll and the extra donations, we were recently able to hand over a check to the Friends of the Sophia Foundation for no less than €59.241,74. We are very proud! ”

What is this money used for?
“The foundation uses this money for the Mother and Child Center in the Sophia Children's Hospital. They are engaged in an important study here, focusing on the treatment of babies in the womb. In this way, they hope to prevent premature birth and give these babies a better chance to survice. That's what you do it for. And of course we will keep going! We are incredibly motivated to do even more for the foundation in 2021. Sophia’s Super Monkey is a great start for this year. ”