Help make a child’s dream a reality this national Slipper Day
THIS Friday, for only R10, you can wear a hope-inspired wristband, help change a young child’s life, and get to wear your favourite pair of slippers to work in support of the Reach For A Dream Slipper Day.
The fun-filled campaign takes place annually across the country to raise funds that will go towards making sure that the dream-makers continue fulfilling the dreams of those needing a smile the most.
Lwanele Mpeta, branch manager of Reach For A Dream East London, is calling for everyone to join in and participate in this “great event”, which she said goes a long way in making an immeasurable difference in the life of a child who is fighting a life-threatening illness.
“These R10s may seem small, but they go a long way in making dreams a reality.”
This year the foundation got creative and collaborated with their celebrity ambassadors DJ Fresh, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Lira, Roxy Burger and Carrol Boyes to create values-inspired wristbands instead of the usual sticker sold previously.
The wristbands embody the foundation’s values – hope, strength and courage – which Mpeta said are what makes dreams come true.
Mpeta, who has been with the foundation for four years, says seeing dreams being fulfilled for Eastern Cape children has been a rewarding experience.
“Sometimes it’s tough executing everything, but when we show up to turn a child’s dream into reality, we need to step up and be happy. When a child dreams about something, it is often only an unshared dream. They don’t fully believe that it will happen. So seeing the excitement and shock when it actually comes true is truly magical.”
Twenty-one dreams are fulfilled in the Eastern Cape each month. The foundation visits hospitals and speaks to kids to find out what they dream about.
Just last week, a seven-year-old boy from Butterworth, who has been fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, fulfilled his dream of visiting uShaka Marine World for the first time. He got to spend a weekend in Durban with his family thanks to the dream-makers.
Also, a 16-year-old boy from King William’s Town, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, recently got to meet his ultimate role model, D J Toolz, for the first time. He also received his own DJ box of equipment to help him live out his dream of being a DJ.
Karen Herman, the foundation’s fundraiser and events coordinator, said seeing the children’s dreams come to life makes them grateful all over again.
“Sometimes a child just wants to visit the ocean for the first time. Seeing them marvel at the water and sand between their toes makes you experience life with new eyes.”
Mpeta said: “We would like everyone to participate. Buy a wristband, and wear your comfy, most crazy slippers to work, school or varsity. It’s something different and fun, and brings everyone together.
“Join in the fun and see how far your R10 can go in making a child’s dream come true.”
Wristbands are available at all Wimpy and Pick n Pay outlets in East London, as well as the Reach For A Dream offices in Nahoon, for R10 each. —