To celebrate 30 iconic years of the Frappuccino®️, Starbucks is turning its birthday into something even more meaningful. Part of that celebration means connecting with its community in ways that matter.
From 26 June, for three weeks (or until stocks last), Starbucks will be selling limited edition Birthday Cake Frappucino® in a gorgeous, reusable cup that pays homage to the bold, playful spirit of 1995, the year the Frappuccino®️ was born, immersing Starbucks’ audience in a vibrant 90s celebration. But this isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past. After all, it’s never too cold for a Frappuccino®️, especially when what’s waiting inside is so much warmer than the weather outside.
This fabulous celebration reminds Starbucks’ loyal customers why they fell in love with the brand in the first place. But this time, they’re part of a bigger mission. Starbucks South Africa is not only spoiling its customers, it is aiming to raise a minimum of R50 000 for Tiny Owls Baby Home through this limited time offer. With every Birthday Cake Frappuccino®️ sold, R5 will be donated to this special organisation.
Tiny Owls was started in 2018 when Kim and Wayne Allen converted their triple garage into a nursery capable of accommodating up to six babies at a time. These babies have either been abandoned or voluntarily relinquished by their birth mothers due to extreme poverty, substance abuse, or severe trauma. They are usually discovered or referred by social workers, police, hospitals, crisis pregnancy centres, or occasionally, directly by the birth mother. All are waiting for placement in their ‘forever home’ – a wait that might take mere months, or sometimes up to two years. Some babies are so young they have yet to receive their first bath before Kim collects them from hospital, but all are assured of receiving the love and cuddles that are so important at this critical time in their lives.
As adoptive parents themselves, Kim and Wayne are well aware of how crucial this ‘in-between stage’, from birth to adoption, really is. These babies need the same care and medical attention they would typically receive from their own parents. Together with their team of ten hands-on caregivers, they ensure that each baby gets everything they need, treating them as if they were their own and giving them the very best start in life.
Tiny Owls Baby Home is more than a temporary rescue. It’s a nurturing incubator of hope, resilience, and secure beginnings. Their work reminds us that early emotional care is vital. With every cuddle, coaxing song, and shared smile, they offer these little ones a life-changing gift – emotional safety, developmental progress, and a trajectory toward a loving forever family. Through caring for dozens of babies, Tiny Owls has witnessed tearful yet beautiful transformations: unsettled infants settling, gaining healthy weight, and flourishing under consistent love and attention.
“We want to celebrate and showcase how these remarkable people selflessly support young lives at the beginning of their journey, lighting the way to brighter futures,” says Leah McCrae, Managing Director of Rand Capital Coffee Licensee Starbucks SA.
The Starbucks South Africa team acknowledges how much they have to be grateful for. Their internal motto this winter has been “It’s cold out there, but it’s warm in here.”
“It’s a simple truth that goes beyond our stores,” Leah says. “It’s not just about stepping inside to enjoy a great coffee; it’s about the warmth we create together, and the chance we all have to share that warmth with others. That’s why the Tiny Owls organisation is so close to our hearts this winter. We want everyone to know: you don’t have to buy a Frappuccino®️ to make a difference. We invite all our customers and communities to open their hearts and donate directly to Tiny Owls, because the real celebration is the chance to keep more little ones safe and warm.”
Through this fusion of celebration and compassion, Starbucks positions the Frappuccino®️ not only as a beloved classic, but also as a symbol of connection, impact, and joy across generations.
“Frappuccinos®️ have become synonymous with Starbucks. In fact, they have become one of the most popular drinks since their introduction,” Leah says, noting that the delicious iced coffee drink has amassed a loyal following among both adults and teens across the world.
The special anniversary Frappuccino®️ is priced at R85, gifting customers the free, iconic reusable cup – a keepsake for a lifetime of memories.
For more information, visit tinyowls.org.za
