HEROES IN THE HEADLINESReach for a Dream in GautengCharmone WallaceSituated in Johannesburg, Reach for a Dream is a non-government organisation where a team of undercover superheroes move heaven and earth to help terminal children to live their dream.
A child's entire world is shattered when they are faced with a terminal disease such as cancer, renal failure, or a blood disorder.
Following a diagnosis, children and their families face a mountain of financial, emotional, and social burdens. Many children endure painful and lengthy therapies, doctor appointments, operations, not to mention the long hospital visits. Despite this, they have an almost tangible yearning to taste life and the fullness of joy it can offer. The Reach for A Dream Foundation works tirelessly to create this moment of joy and wonder for those children who fight for every single breath.

When the pandemic hit the world, and everything stood still and closed, Reach for a Dream had to improvise and bring the adventure to the wards for the children. The foundation introduced VR (Virtual Reality) headsets. These headsets were created by Eden Labs a South African tech company that designs and builds hardware and software for virtual reality. Thanks to these VR headsets you can view and experience everything in a third-dimensional environment. This experience was brought to life in September of last year when the first headset was delivered to Charlotte Maxeke of Johannesburg Academic Hospital. A patient had wished to swim with dolphins, but due to the pandemic, this was not possible at the time. Instead, they were given a virtual reality experience that they could participate in, the encounter left them in awe as the children got to experience flying above the Durban coast, landed for a quick trip at uShaka Marine World for a dolphin show, and dove off into the deep sea for a virtual swim with the actual dolphins. 
This year the foundation will be celebrating 33 years of making dreams come true.
The foundation will be hosting its yearly Slipper Day on 6 May 2022, this day is Reach for a Dream’s most celebrated fund-raiser and a day where the entire community opts to leave their corporate shoes at home and wear their comfy slippers in solidarity with these exceptionally brave and strong children. Chief Executive Officer Julia Sotirianakos said when allowed to give back, South Africans aren’t selfish. Retail partners including, Pick n Pay, Wimpy, and Dis-Chem Pharmacies participate in this yearly event by selling Reach for a Dream stickers to wear alongside your slippers. The proceeds go towards helping the foundation continue to make dreams come true.

"On Slipper Day, you earn a free Famous Wimpy Coffee for every sticker you buy and don't forget to share your Slipper Day selfie on social media to encourage everyone to participate," Reach for a Dream reminded us.