Coffee toast to a preemie

Coffee toast to a preemie


Many of us can’t imagine starting the morning without our daily cup of coffee. But did you know that caffeine—the main ingredient in this beloved beverage - helps premature babies in their fight for life and health during their first days after birth? Prematurely born babies receive a dose of caffeine shortly after birth that would be equivalent to an adult drinking up to 25 cups of coffee. On the occasion of International Coffee Day (October 1), we will once again enjoy our coffee with a flavor of solidarity and love for the smallest fighters among us during October 1–31, 2026. Preemies must struggle hard for their place in this world - and caffeine is one of the things that helps them do so.

Proceeds from the campaign support our official public fundraising initiative, through which we finance comprehensive assistance for premature babies and their families - from modernizing hospital equipment to providing rehabilitation, educational, material, and social support in accordance with the goals of our NGO.

Raising awareness about the lives of families with premature babies

In Slovakia, every 13th child is born prematurely, says Ľubica Kaiserová, chairwoman of malíček, a NGO that has been supporting families of premature babies since 2011. In addition to direct support, the organization works to raise public awareness about prematurity and its challenges.

“Premature birth brings many difficulties that these children must overcome, and many carry minor or serious consequences of their early arrival throughout their lives. Thanks to caffeine, however, modern medicine can help kick-start vital functions and maximize their chances of living a full and healthy life,” says Kaiserová, who is also the mother of a son born prematurely at 26 weeks of pregnancy.

Caffeine: a lifesaving stimulant

October 1st is one of the favorite “holidays” of coffee lovers around the world. Caffeine, coffee’s primary active ingredient, is a powerful stimulant that enhances the function of vital organs and stimulates bodily activity, including the central nervous system. It improves the vitality of the heart, brain, and lungs, and the recommended daily intake for adults should not exceed 350–400 mg of caffeine per day.

For premature babies, caffeine supports heart function, helps increase blood pressure, improves oxygenation, accelerates weaning from ventilators, and has anti-inflammatory effects. It also improves long-term outcomes and supports healthy neurological development. Because of these benefits, caffeine is one of the most commonly used medications in neonatal intensive care units worldwide. “Premature babies are the smallest fighters, and for them caffeine is literally a lifesaver,” adds Kaiserová in connection with the Coffee Day campaign.

Public fundraiser

A breath in, a breath out. For most of us, it’s automatic. For premature babies, it is often their first and most difficult life challenge. Because these babies enter the world with underdeveloped lungs, advanced medical technology supports them during their first weeks of life. Their first breath is anything but a small matter. Together, we can help them begin their life journey successfully through our public fundraising campaign.

In accordance with NGO guidlines, all funds are used for public-benefit purposes, including healthcare protection, the development of social services, and support for children. The fundraiser is officially registered with the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and complies with all legal requirements. It is registered in the Collection Registry Information System under registration number: (to be added soon)


You can support the fundraiser in several simple ways:

  • By donating to a collection box located in your favorite participating café or business.
  • By making a direct contribution to the fundraiser account: IBAN SK97 1100 0000 0029 4014 9074.
  • Online through our donation portal: https://malicek.darujme.sk/kavicka-na-malicka-2026/



Thank you for helping us change the world of premature babies together.

Did you know?


  • Coffee beans are actually the seeds of a fruit, as coffee comes from a cherry-producing shrub.
  • The discovery of coffee dates back to the 9th century in Ethiopia.
  • Legend says the stimulating effects of coffee were first noticed in goats.
  • According to legend, lack of coffee was once considered grounds for divorce if a husband failed to provide his wife with enough coffee.
  • About 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day, making it the second most consumed beverage after water.
  • Even decaffeinated coffee contains approximately 2–3% caffeine.