Latest news with #ReachForADream
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
WITBANK NEWS is rocking it in their slippers
WITBANK NEWS is rocking it in their slippers WITBANK NEWS is excited to be part of Reach For A Dream's Slipper Day. When you see the editorial team out and about on stories on May 30, check out those slippers. South Africans are invited to Do It For The Dreamers by purchasing a R20 sticker, wearing their slippers, and helping to fulfil the dreams of children facing life-threatening illnesses. It's a simple yet powerful way to bring hope and joy to those who need it most. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Witbank News/Nuus (@witbank_news) For the past 36 years, Reach For A Dream Foundation has been fulfilling dreams for children with illnesses such as cancer, heart conditions, and organ failure to name a few. Each day, the foundation brings more than six dreams to life, whether it's meeting their role model, receiving something they've always dreamed of, or experiencing the joy of their dream destination for the first time. These moments offer relief, inspiration, and the courage to keep dreaming. Since its launch in 2011, Slipper Day has united the nation in support of these children, growing into one of South Africa's most anticipated fundraising campaigns. This year, we're doing it for the dreamers, because every sticker sold helps bring joy to a child in need. 'Slipper Day is South Africa's cosiest fundraiser, and this year, we're doing it for the dreamers. Something as simple as buying a Slipper Day sticker and wearing slippers, becomes a powerful symbol of hope, comfort, and the belief that every child deserves to dream. Let's come together and show these children that they are not alone on their journey,' said Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream. Over the years, schools and companies across South Africa have embraced Slipper Day, trading their everyday shoes for slippers in honour of children who spend their days in hospital. This year, we call on even more schools, businesses, and communities to do it for the dreamers – because every dream fulfilled brings light to a child's toughest days. Watch our 30-second TV commercial for this year's Slipper Day: Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
Bowls club 'shoe' support for Slipper Day
EVERY year South Africans come together to show support for The Reach for a Dream Foundation's Slipper Day on May 30. The fundraising event sees people purchase a R20 sticker and wear their slippers which in turn helps support children with life-threatening illnesses. The Queensburgh Bowling Club has decided to support Malvern youngster Zeke van Blerk who is battling a chronic kidney illness. The 11-year-old, who attends Malvern Primary School, helped co-ordinate with his grandparents (Annamarie and Bernie van Blerk) and mother (Leanne) to get the bowls club to support the annual fundraiser. For Leanne, the support of the bowls club goes a long way to making a difference in the lives of others. 'They are really amazing. The club is one of the biggest supporters of Zeke as they buy sweet packs he sells every month which he uses to help other children in need. We raise funds for Reach For A Dream with those sales. I encourage other residents in the area to support the day; it doesn't cost a lot. All you need to do is purchase a R20 sticker from various outlets and don your slippers on the day. Also read: Get set for action at KZN's biggest little show 'Whenever we see the sign displayed in a shop we go in and thank the employees and owner for supporting the fundraising initiative. For all those skeptical, the foundation does amazing work. My son is proof of that and that small little gesture goes a long way,' she said. While Zeke had a number of choices on the day for best dressed slipper, he had one thought in mind. 'It is so nice to see everyone wear their slippers. I think it suits them. My favourite on the day was The Grinch slippers. It makes my heart happy to see everyone support Reach For A Dream,' he said. ****Good to know***** Reach For A Dream supports children aged three to 18 who are diagnosed with one of 110 life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, liver and heart conditions, renal failure, and muscular dystrophy. Each dream is tailored to a child's unique desires and medical limitations. Participants can purchase a R20 sticker, the official symbol of support, from major retailers including Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, Dis-Chem Baby City, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, and Hush Puppies. If you would like to get involved and support the Reach For A Dream Foundation, visit For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Comfy shoes to make dreams come true
COMFORT meets compassion this May as South Africans gear up to celebrate Slipper Day on Friday, May 31, in support of the Reach For A Dream Foundation which is devoted to making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses. With the theme Do It For The Dreamers, this year's campaign encourages people to not only wear their quirkiest, comfiest slippers for a day, but to walk in the shoes, literally and figuratively, of the brave young dreamers who spend much of their time in slippers due to illness. Kerry Donkin, regional manager for Reach For A Dream in KZN, Free State, and Northern Cape, says Slipper Day is the foundation's largest national fundraiser. Also read: Briardene organisation opens the doors to education 'It's the perfect way for corporates, schools, and individuals to get involved and help make a child's dream come true,' said Donkin. 'These dreams vary from meeting celebrities to tasting ice cream for the first time; and we do everything we can to make them happen.' Reach For A Dream supports children aged three to 18 who are diagnosed with one of 110 life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, liver and heart conditions, renal failure, and muscular dystrophy. Each dream is tailored to a child's unique desires and medical limitations. 'We always listen carefully to the children and learn what truly brings them joy,' said Donkin. 'We want to encourage dreamers that tomorrow is worth fighting for. Their dreams matter. By supporting Slipper Day, you can help convey this message to our courageous dreamers across South Africa,' she added. Also read: Tee off in Mount Edgecombe and help save lives Supporting Slipper Day goes beyond buying a pair of fluffy footwear. Participants can purchase a R20 sticker, the official symbol of support, from major retailers including Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, Dis-Chem Baby City, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, and Hush Puppies. Virtual stickers and merchandise can also be bought from the Reach For A Dream website – Thanks to Zapper, purchasing stickers online is now as easy as scanning a QR code. As a bonus, Wimpy is offering a free Famous Coffee (or hot chocolate for kids under 12) to anyone wearing their sticker and slippers on May 31. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
The Hangout: Dream a little dream of me
Let's do it for the dreamers. There are so many incredible organisations out there working tirelessly to make a difference—spreading hope, changing lives, and turning dreams into reality. It's not an easy job. I imagine it can be emotionally heavy at times. But what a meaningful way to live a life—giving others light in their darkest moments. Some people are simply born with that inner calling, and I often speak of them as angels with invisible wings. This time, those angels are the dedicated team at Reach For A Dream. The dreamers, the laughter heroes, the selfless souls who make magic happen for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Their work is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024 alone, they fulfilled 2,289 dreams—that's around six dreams every single day. Just imagine the joy that brings. Their Laughter Heroes reached 16,307 children, bringing giggles, moments of escape, and bright sparks of joy. And this past year, they created 10 new Dream Rooms, bringing the total to 24 across hospitals nationwide and 46 in total since its inception in 2017—safe, imaginative spaces where kids can just be kids. These Dream Rooms aren't just cheerful play areas—they're powerful healing tools. As Professor Ashraf Coovadia, Head of Paediatrics at Rahima Moosa Hospital, says: 'The Dream Room helps reduce stress and foster creativity, bringing smiles and laughter to children who've been struggling. It's a vital part of our care, supporting emotional health alongside physical recovery.' And the feedback from parents is just as moving—after experiencing their dream day, children are more motivated to continue treatments, their confidence grows, and they show incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. It's awe-inspiring what love, kindness, and a little hope can do. Whether it's a trip somewhere special, owning something they've never had before, meeting their role models, or stepping into the shoes of who they dream of becoming one day—each child's wish is unique, and the Dream Team is always ready to make it come true. Reach For A Dream has been lighting up lives for 36 years, and they're only getting started. Just last year, Natalie Lazaris and her incredible fundraising team raised R8.2 million. That's thanks to 400,000 stickers sold, 1,000 schools getting involved, and over 400 companies stepping up to support. But why stop there? Imagine if we could push that number even higher this year—say, half a million stickers sold? It sounds big, but if just one person in every friend group, family, or office swapped a cappuccino or a Friday night beer for a sticker, we'd get there in no time. Every little action counts. I know times are tough, and not everyone is in a place to give financially. But support comes in many forms—share the campaign on your social media, start a conversation, or simply say a little prayer. Use #SlipperDay2025 and tag Reach For A Dream to help spread the word. Winter's around the corner, and that means it's time to dust off your slippers. Let's walk together for the dreamers, for the brave little superheroes fighting every day, and for the angels who walk beside them. Let's dream together—and let's do it for the dreamers. Slipper Day stickers are available at: Wimpy, Dis-Chem, Baby City, Pick n Pay, Toys R Us, The Crazy Store, and Krispy Kreme. Big love and thanks to campaign partners: Zapper, Ren-Form CC, Hirt & Carter, DPD Laser, and The Courier Guy. Thank you to the CEO from Reach For A Dream Sotriranakos, their chairman Peter Moyanga and every dream maker and laughter hero out there for changing lives and spreading the love.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
The Hangout: Dream a little dream of me
Let's do it for the dreamers. There are so many incredible organisations out there working tirelessly to make a difference—spreading hope, changing lives, and turning dreams into reality. It's not an easy job. I imagine it can be emotionally heavy at times. But what a meaningful way to live a life—giving others light in their darkest moments. Some people are simply born with that inner calling, and I often speak of them as angels with invisible wings. This time, those angels are the dedicated team at Reach For A Dream. The dreamers, the laughter heroes, the selfless souls who make magic happen for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Their work is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024 alone, they fulfilled 2,289 dreams—that's around six dreams every single day. Just imagine the joy that brings. Their Laughter Heroes reached 16,307 children, bringing giggles, moments of escape, and bright sparks of joy. And this past year, they created 10 new Dream Rooms, bringing the total to 24 across hospitals nationwide and 46 in total since its inception in 2017—safe, imaginative spaces where kids can just be kids. These Dream Rooms aren't just cheerful play areas—they're powerful healing tools. As Professor Ashraf Coovadia, Head of Paediatrics at Rahima Moosa Hospital, says: 'The Dream Room helps reduce stress and foster creativity, bringing smiles and laughter to children who've been struggling. It's a vital part of our care, supporting emotional health alongside physical recovery.' And the feedback from parents is just as moving—after experiencing their dream day, children are more motivated to continue treatments, their confidence grows, and they show incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. It's awe-inspiring what love, kindness, and a little hope can do. Whether it's a trip somewhere special, owning something they've never had before, meeting their role models, or stepping into the shoes of who they dream of becoming one day—each child's wish is unique, and the Dream Team is always ready to make it come true. Reach For A Dream has been lighting up lives for 36 years, and they're only getting started. Just last year, Natalie Lazaris and her incredible fundraising team raised R8.2 million. That's thanks to 400,000 stickers sold, 1,000 schools getting involved, and over 400 companies stepping up to support. But why stop there? Imagine if we could push that number even higher this year—say, half a million stickers sold? It sounds big, but if just one person in every friend group, family, or office swapped a cappuccino or a Friday night beer for a sticker, we'd get there in no time. Every little action counts. I know times are tough, and not everyone is in a place to give financially. But support comes in many forms—share the campaign on your social media, start a conversation, or simply say a little prayer. Use #SlipperDay2025 and tag Reach For A Dream to help spread the word. Winter's around the corner, and that means it's time to dust off your slippers. Let's walk together for the dreamers, for the brave little superheroes fighting every day, and for the angels who walk beside them. Let's dream together—and let's do it for the dreamers. Slipper Day stickers are available at: Wimpy, Dis-Chem, Baby City, Pick n Pay, Toys R Us, The Crazy Store, and Krispy Kreme. Big love and thanks to campaign partners: Zapper, Ren-Form CC, Hirt & Carter, DPD Laser, and The Courier Guy. Thank you to the CEO from Reach For A Dream Sotriranakos, their chairman Peter Moyanga and every dream maker and laughter hero out there for changing lives and spreading the love.
