Publications
Partners
Last year, the Reach for a Dream Foundation realised the aspirations of 2 066 young people grappling with severe health conditions. This year, the charity is poised to inspire an even greater number of dreams with its annual Slippers Day event. The launch of Slippers Day took place in Sandhurst, Sandton, on Wednesday, when it was announced that this year's event was scheduled for 31 May.
Under the theme 'Step into My Slippers,' the campaign encourages people to show solidarity and have fun by stepping into the shoes—or rather, slippers—of these brave youngsters in a literal and symbolic act of empathy.
Reach for a Dream's CEO Julia Sotirianakos said that they want people and children to buy their sticker for R20 and wear their slippers on 31 May. "This year's theme is 'Step into my slippers," said the CEO. @City_Press @ReachForADream pic.twitter.com/GMk9lhTC3q
— Ingonyamakazi???? (@zamo_ndawonde) April 25, 2024
Chloe Katompa, the foundation's head of operations, spoke with City Press, detailing that Reach for a Dream operated from seven locations across Johannesburg, Pretoria, East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Durban.
For over three decades, the foundation has been instrumental in supporting children aged three to 18 who are battling critical illnesses such as cancer, renal failure and blood disorders, among others, in all major private and public hospitals.
Katompa emphasised that Slippers Day was crucial for raising funds to fulfil the varied dreams of these children, whether it involved meeting a celebrity or acquiring a new gaming console.
She explained:
READ: Healing children one giggle at a time
She noted that due to their health conditions, which restrict their mobility, these children often did not have the opportunity to go out with their families.
Katompa added:
"Each day, we make five or six dreams come true nationwide, with each dream costing approximately R7 500. That's why Slippers Day is so significant—it helps us raise more funds to support more children."
Jason Goliath, an acclaimed comedian who hosted the Slippers Day launch, also shared his thoughts with the press on his involvement with the foundation.
He described his participation as a simple yet impactful way to spread cheer and positivity. Goliath, who has personally known individuals with life-threatening conditions, understands the profound effect that joy can have on the afflicted and their loved ones.
Jason Goliath is the MC of the Slippers Day launch in Sandton.He shared his experience of losing his friend to Cancer. "The doctors told him that they will make the last six months and he must seek euphoria." https://t.co/twwGKglzRH
— City Press (@City_Press) April 25, 2024
"The illness of a child is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a family can endure, and no family is truly prepared for it. Amid such adversity, Reach for a Dream brings a glimmer of light, hope and immense joy," Goliath remarked.
He recounted losing his best friend to cancer at age 35, witnessing the disease's brutality and toll on the patient and their family.
Goliath challenged sceptics to visit paediatric wards to see the reality of these children's lives, saying: "You'll meet children who have far less than you do."
Julia Sotirianakos, the foundation's CEO, said that Slippers Day stickers were available for purchase at R20 from various retailers, including Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Dis-Chem Baby City, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme and online at HushPuppies.co.za
She further mentioned that this year, the payment process for virtual Slippers Day stickers was simplified through Zapper's QR code system. Additionally, on May 31, those who wear their stickers and slippers to Wimpy will be treated to a complimentary, famous coffee or hot chocolate for children under 12.
