Small Caves for Big Dreams at Cabrini School

The Cabrini School in Offenstetten is delighted to have new cozy retreats for its children: the Saal-based mechanical engineering company Mahlo has built and donated three so-called “cuddle caves” for the groups of the school’s pre-school facility (SVE). 

The cuddle caves have long since become an integral part of the daily routine. The children use these cozy retreats to relax and unwind. “Here, the children can rest, dream, and consciously perceive their environment with all their senses,” says Michaela Tretter from Cabrini School. 

It was her idea to collect donations to purchase the cuddle caves. With this request, the educator also approached Mahlo. However, Aura Greenwood-Mahlo, who owns the mechanical engineering company together with her husband Ralph Greenwood-Mahlo, chose a different path—relying instead on initiative and craftsmanship. “Why buy something when you can build it yourself?” was the guiding idea. 

With Gerald Halbritter, an employee in production at Mahlo, a project manager was quickly found. With great creativity and skill, he took on the planning and implementation. He built sturdy wooden base structures and assembled the cuddle caves with great care. Mahlo also supported the procurement of materials. In the end, each of the three SVE groups was able to receive its own cave. The children expressed their thanks with a handmade card. 

The Cabrini Center in Offenstetten supports, assists, and cares for people with disabilities. In the pre-school facility, children are supported according to their individual abilities, interests, and needs—socially, in everyday life skills, as well as emotionally and intellectually. 

With the donation of the cuddle caves, Mahlo underlines its commitment to the region and to social institutions. The new retreats offer the children not only a sense of security, but also space for development—a benefit for everyone involved.