REACH for a Dream calls on all South Africans to donate their small change to help children who are battling life-threatening illnesses.

Today, Friday, May 5 (Slipper Day), South Africans can help these children reach for their dreams and earn the right to wear their fluffy slippers by purchasing supporter stickers valued at R20 each.

Since its inauguration in Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2011, this fun fundraising campaign has grown into a nationwide movement, with everyone from office workers to school children wearing their bunny-eared and fuzzy slippers instead of shoes.

Also read: Psychological complications of chronic illness in children

All proceeds raised from the day go to Reach for a Dream, a leading non-profit organisation, to help children fight a serious disease by making their dreams – such as swimming with dolphins, meeting an idol or celebrity or getting a new doll’s house – come true.

This not only gives these youngsters and their families an invaluable respite from daily stressors associated with ill health but stirs up much-needed courage and hope, helping these little ones believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.

“Slipper Day is our biggest annual fundraiser with all funds going towards fulfilling the dreams of children who are facing some of the toughest challenges life can throw at them. This year, we’re calling on all South Africans to step up and support Slipper Day, not only to celebrate these brave dreamers but to inspire hope among them, so they know that no matter what obstacles arise, they are never alone in their journey,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach for a Dream.

Reach for a Dream has been one of the country’s most recognisable and credible charities for the last 35 years. Off the back of being awarded the CSI Legacy award for Best NGO in South Africa for 2022, the foundation has grown from strength to strength by encouraging children to use the power of their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses and make these dreams come true.

Last year, Reach for a Dream raised over R8.3m – this year, they’re aiming even higher with a goal of raising R10m to help 2 000 children.

Slipper Day stickers are available for purchase at retail partners Wimpy, Pick ‘n Pay, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, ToyZone, and Dis-Chem Baby City. Remember to wear your sticker and slippers to Wimpy on May 5 and get a free Famous Wimpy Coffee.

“Getting involved with Slipper Day is an easy way to do something meaningful while having fun and supporting an incredible cause! So, step up, wear your supporter sticker and slippers on May 5 and do the Slipper Shuffle to help make dreams come true,” says Sotirianakos.

Visit www.reachforadream.org.za for more information.

To donate to the foundation, visit: https://reachforadream.org.za/donate/ and to refer a child, visit: https://reachforadream.org.za/refer-a-child/.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.