Latest news with #SlipperDay
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 Citizen
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Do it for the Dreamers Reach For A Dream's Slipper Day inspires South Africa to step up
Do it for the Dreamers Reach For A Dream's Slipper Day inspires South Africa to step up Imagine a world where the simplest act – wearing a pair of slippers – can ignite a spark of hope. On May 30, that world becomes reality. Across South Africa, from bustling boardrooms to quiet classrooms, thousands of people will step into their slippers, not just for comfort, but to support children facing some of life's toughest battles. Read more: Parktown Girls High School joins Slipper Day to help children in need This is Slipper Day, an annual event where Reach For A Dream invites everyone to wear their softest, cosiest slippers and buy a R20 sticker at Pick n Pay, Wimpy, or Dis-Chem, to bring a child's dream to life. This year's theme, Do It For The Dreamers, is a reminder that even the smallest step can carry the weight of a child's hopes. 'Slipper Day is more than a fundraiser; it's a movement,' said Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream. 'It's about turning something as simple as wearing slippers into a gesture that tells children, 'You matter, your dreams are important, and we're here to help you believe in something brighter.'' For 36 years, Reach For A Dream has been a beacon of light for children across South Africa battling life-threatening illnesses. Their mission has always been to fulfil dreams, whether it's a child meeting their favourite superhero, flying in a hot air balloon, or even just spending a day feeling like a kid again. Each dream is more than a wish; it's a message of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is room for joy. 'Every sticker, every slipper, every step counts. When you wear those slippers, you're not just wearing something comfy, you're walking with a child through their hardest days, showing them that there's still magic in the world.' The funds raised through Slipper Day go far beyond just making a single dream come true. They fuel an entire network of ongoing support for children and families, from hospital Dream Rooms to regular visits from Laughter Heroes who bring smiles and comfort during medical treatments. 'Slipper Day is a symbol of our commitment. It's not just about one day of giving, it's about creating lasting memories and emotional support for children when they need it most.' Also read: Reach For A Dream launched their slipper day initiative at Houghton Estate It's easy to feel removed from the struggles of others, but Slipper Day invites South Africans to step closer. To feel the weight of a child's dream and take it on as their own, even if it's just for a day. The R20 sticker might seem small, but it unlocks a world of possibilities for a child who is desperately holding onto their hopes. This year, as the theme Do It For The Dreamers echoes throughout communities, schools, and workplaces, it's a call for every South African to join together, no matter how big or small their contribution. Because dreams, as Reach For A Dream has shown, have the power to heal. 'We want to see every South African walking into their workplace or school with pride, knowing that they're part of something bigger. It's not just about raising money, it's about raising awareness and fostering a culture of care and kindness that we can all be proud of.' So, on May 30, when you pull on your slippers and head out the door, remember, you're not just stepping into comfort. You're stepping into a world where every child has a chance to dream, and every dream is worth fighting for. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Appreciation for contributors towards Slipper Day At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
25-04-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
How a four-year-old boy's submarine dream with Reach For A Dream gave him courage to beat leukemia
At four and a half years old, Christopher Els heard the words no child or parent should ever hear: "Your son has acute lymphoblastic leukemia." At the age of 33 and a survivor of the life-threatening illness, Els looked back on his journey with gratitude, strength and a vivid memory of a childhood dream come true. Speaking to TimesLIVE at the Reach For A Dream Slipper Day event, Christopher said he remembers the day the organisation fulfilled his dream. 'My first dream as a four-year-old was to go to the moon, but that was a bit outlandish. The submarine was my second dream. I remember it vividly. going on the submarine, meeting the naval officers in Simonstown, lying on the banks of the submarine, going in the tanks at the naval base, seeing the divers dive down, going to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Having the footage helps me sort of relive it,' he said. His parents, Pam and Johan Els, now in their 70s, were also at the event and they spoke of the two-and-a-half years of intense medical treatment that followed his diagnosis. 'It was the most difficult time of our lives. But Christopher was a fighter. Even in his weakest moments, he never stopped dreaming,' said Johan. 'Seeing his face light up inside the submarine, it was a memory we will never forget. It wasn't only a ride, it was hope. It reminded us of that life still had beauty to offer,' said Pam. Els, who was captivated from a young age by space, submarines, and the wonders of the universe, said it gives him joy to see other children who face similar battles getting their dreams fulfilled 'Seeing them fulfill their dreams is incredible. Seeing the smiles on their faces, the joy and their parents seeing how happy their kids are in a moment that's pretty frightening is really special,' he said. Pam said what stood out most during that time of their lives was their son's resilience. "He was a miracle child. Chris inspired many with his positive attitude and resilience.' CEO Julia Sotirianakos said the Reach For A Dream Foundation is a non-profit that has been turning dreams into reality for children fighting serious illnesses for 37 years. 'We fulfil the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses,' she said. Sotirianakos said the foundation is marking its 14th annual Slipper Day, which is a national fundraiser where South Africans wear slippers to school or work to show solidarity with children battling serious illnesses. 'It's an initiative where individual South Africans can get involved and contribute to a bigger cause. A lot of people s ask me, 'How can I get involved?' If you have R20 in your pocket, that's how you can get involved and change a life,' said Sotirianakos. For R20 supporters buy a sticker that funds more dreams. On May30 participants can redeem their sticker for a free Famous Coffee or hot chocolate (for kids under 12) at Wimpy outlets. Sotirianakos said there are many ways to get involved beyond Slipper Day. 'People can donate monthly, volunteer their time, read to children in hospital or get a MySchool card. It's all on our website,' she said. Sotirianakos said for the foundation, it's not only about fulfilling a dream but about restoring hope. "The work we do is life-changing because Reach For A Dream makes a child's dream come true with partners, donors and supporters and that child is given a gift of belief and tenacity," she said. "They close their eyes and believe they'll get better. And they do get better. It's like a phenomenon that happens. The child rallies and fights and wants to carry on, and that's the important thing for us to see the impact."
