The cosiest fundraiser is just a few sleeps away and has the potential to fund the dreams of so many children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

South Africa (27 May 2025) — Getting cosy for a cause happens in a few sleeps on 30 May; South Africans all over the country will step out into the world not in heels, school shoes or sneakers but in slippers, fluffy, bold and comfort-approved. It’s not exactly a rebellion against conventional shoes (well, maybe in part). Largely, it’s a day that’s dedicated to taking the steps to make a little person’s childhood dream come true.

In most cases, we take our slippers off when we curl up into bed and are ready to dream. But for Slipper Day, we put them on proudly and wear them everywhere in an effort that symbolises dreams becoming reality.

At the heart of the fundraiser is the Reach For A Dream Foundation. Their mission orbits around children fighting life-threatening illnesses and focuses on giving these kids a dose of much-needed magic by giving children a break from their battles and a chance to live out their Dream Days.

The dreams that make up a Dream Day are different for every child. They range from getting to play pretend in their dream career (as a firefighter, chef or whatever they’d love to do when they grow up) to meeting their heroes, or travelling to a place they’ve always wanted to see for the very first time.

In this way, the children (affectionately referred to as Dreamers) get a day to just be kids, spoiled with a slice of life that usually only happens when they’ve drifted off into a fantasy world.

You can help make a myriad of dreams come true simply by participating in the cosiest fundraiser of the year!

Cosy for a Cause:

1. Purchase your slippers ‘ticket’ (AKA, your permission to wear slippers out in society) You can get stickers at Wimpy, Dischem Pharmacies, Baby City, Pick n Pay, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, Hush Puppies, and The Crazy Store.
2. You can also purchase a virtual sticker here or a fun pair of cosy footgear (they’ve got everything from baby sharks to hot pink flamingos!), here
3. Encourage as many people as you can to do the same.

For Schools

1. Participate in the School Competition (where you can sell stickers and win a prize)
2. Or, the social media challenge in which you create and post a fun slipper video for another prize!
3. There is also the Spirit of Slipper Day Award up for grabs a chance for schools that embody the joy of making dreams come true together with Slipper Day to life.

With only four sleeps to go until the big day, there’s still plenty of time to get your stickers, choose your slippers and spread the word to build the slipper squad.

Sources: Reach for a Dream 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Reach For A Dream paid tribute to 800 nurses for their compassion and care in helping fulfil children’s dreams.

South Africa (12 May 2025) – Each year on 12 May, the world pauses to honour the heroes in scrubs, and this International Nurses Day, Reach For A Dream is proudly celebrating over 800 nurses across South Africa who go above and beyond to bring joy, hope, and a touch of magic to children living with life-threatening illnesses.

For 36 years, Reach For A Dream has fulfilled the dreams of children facing unimaginable challenges, and many of those moments begin in hospital wards, where nurses are the quiet architects of joy. They are the ones who notice when a child needs more than just medicine; they are the ones who uplift spirits and make sure that every dream experience is delivered with care and dignity.

“As we celebrate Nurses Day, we pay tribute to the incredible nurses across the country who help make many of our children’s dreams possible,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream. “These unsung heroes care deeply for our dreamers because dreams matter to them. We salute their compassion, empathy, and commitment.”

To express heartfelt thanks, Reach For A Dream is recognising each of these dedicated professionals with a certificate of appreciation and a small token of gratitude, a simple yet sincere gesture to honour those who give so much of themselves, day in and day out.

This year’s global theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” speaks to the urgent need to protect and invest in our healthcare workers. A nurse who is supported and valued is not only able to deliver exceptional care but also forms part of a more resilient, compassionate health system.

Hermina Modisa, Operational Manager of the Paediatric Oncology Ward at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, shared what this day means to her:

“Nurses Day means celebrating our passion and dedication. It’s a calling. You have to commit your whole heart to caring for people — not just the patients, but their families and communities too.”

As we honour these everyday heroes, Reach For A Dream reminds us that behind every fulfilled dream is a team of nurses working quietly, gently, and tirelessly to bring light to even the darkest days.

Because dreams matter — and so do the nurses who help make them come true.

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Grey’s Hospital has welcomed its own Dream Room, a space for young patients to take a break from hospital life and enjoy colour, creativity and most importantly, the chance to just be a kid:

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (15 April 2025) — An exciting new addition to Grey’s Hospital came about recently, bringing with it more than just a splash of colour.

Like any unit of its kind, the paediatric oncology unit is familiar as a place where health battles are fought by young patients who want nothing more than to exist beyond their illnesses. The allocated ‘Dream Room’, then,  is a breath of fresh air for Grey’s paediatric oncology unit in more ways than mere aesthetics. Instead, it stands proudly as its own little corner of the world that’s been carved out with one mission: let the kids regain a little bit of their childhood.

The Dream Room is an initiative led by the NGO, Reach For A Dream. To date, the organisation, along with different partners, have made 48 Dream Rooms possible across the country. The Grey’s addition marks the 3rd one launched in 2025 alone.

“At Reach For A Dream, we believe every child deserves the chance to embrace the joy of childhood, even in the face of a life-threatening illness,” the non-profit said.

There’s something for every kind of kid in the Dream Room. Interactive games, virtual reality experiences, toys and books await the young patients; a stark contrast to the world within the hospital’s walls outside.

Beyond the fun and games, children also have development support in the Dream Rooms thanks to facilitation by psychology graduates who have been trained in Early Childhood Development ECD. With their help, the young patients are guided to reach developmental milestones.

Other Dream Rooms across the country include spaces at the Steve Biko Paediatric Cardiology and Pulmonology Clinic. 

The latest Dream Room was made possible with help from The Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Sources: Reach For A Dream 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Petrus, a young man whose dream of becoming a fighter jet pilot was challenged by a muscle illness, found his spirit soaring thanks to the kindness of those who wanted to keep his adventurous spirit alive!

Cape Town, South Africa (10 March 2025) – Despite his dreams of becoming a fighter jet pilot being hindered by his muscle illness, Petrus, an adventurer at heart, has never stopped dreaming about one day being up in the sky.

Although he’s had to shift his focus to coding, his dream of getting to experience the thrill of soaring through the skies in a military aircraft was recently made come true!

The 18-year-old was taken on a trip to the Ysterplaat Air Force Base in Cape Town where he was welcomed and taken on a tour of the helicopter hangars, all thanks to the Reach for a Dream team.

“He listened in awe as a heroic pilot shared a gripping story of survival, unaware that the biggest dream was about to unfold,” Reach for a Dream said.

The young man burst into joy after learning that he wouldn’t just be touring but that he and his family would be climbing on board a Navy rescue helicopter, too!

“The breathtaking flight took them over the coastline, Table Mountain, and even a cricket test match in progress.

“When the helicopter landed, Petrus was overwhelmed with gratitude. He received his own cap and flight wings before one final magical moment, the dream handover.”

The day ended with many more goodies including a RFAD teddy, space kits, science kits, and the ultimate surprise: his very own flight jumpsuit, which he couldn’t wait to wear!

It was truly a beautiful conclusion to an extraordinary day that gave a young man a chance to experience his passion for speed, action, and technology.

Petrus got to revel in the beauty of the sky while being at the center of the kindness of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, all with the same goal: to make his dream come true!

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Little Ayabulele, a brave four-year-old battling cancer, dreams of becoming a policeman, a hero in his own right. His heart’s desire was recently turned into a magical reality, easily making him SA’s cutest officer yet!

Gqeberha, South Africa (24 February 2025) – When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, the answer sweet Ayabulele gives comes without hesitation: A policeman!

This remarkable four-year-old from Gqeberha, though naturally shy, brims with energy, relishes playtime, and aspires to become one of our everyday heroes, bravely safeguarding our communities and upholding authority.

He recently got a glimpse into his dream career when he got to rub shoulders with Metro Police officers who were touched by his story and courage as a toddler living with cancer.

Ayabulele’s deepest desire has been to experience the thrill of a police joy ride and of course, the dream-come-true dealers at Reach for a Dream Foundation did what they do best!

Ayabulele was taken on an adventure trip to an indoor playground, where he played, climbed, and jumped to his heart’s content, unaware that an even bigger surprise awaited him.

His mother was tasked with helping him change into a mini police officer’s uniform before stepping outside to find a group of Metro Police officers standing by their patrol cars. What stood in the middle was even more special – his very own ride-on police car personalised with his name!

“At first, he was shy, but when he realised it was his, his face lit up with joy.

“The officers made it extra special by handing him an official badge and licence, reminding him to always wear his seatbelt like a true officer,” shared Reach for a Dream in a post.

How cool?!

This little boy’s dream come true wasn’t just about a toy, it was about making Ayabulela feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.

His mother’s beaming smile reflected the sheer happiness of seeing her little officer’s dream come true, a heartwarming reminder of the power of kindness and the resilience of a child’s spirit.

Happy Dream Day, Ayabulele!

Sources: Reach for a Dream Foundation

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Little Emma, a bright and resilient four-year-old from Pretoria, has always dreamed of feeling the sand between her toes and swimming in the ocean—a dream made even more special by her health challenges.

Gqeberha, South Africa (10 February 2025) – Born and bred in Pretoria, little Emma’s biggest dream was simply to feel the warm beach sand beneath her toes and swim in the salty blue water – something she’d never really ever be able to do in her hometown.

Even after being diagnosed with histiocytosis (a rare group of disorders that cause an abnormal increase in the number of histiocytes, a type of white blood cell), this special dream never left Emma’s heart.

Emma has faced health challenges at the tender age of four but has met them with commendable courage and remained the bright-eyed girl she was born to be.

Her dream of experiencing the ocean came true when the charity that specialises in making kids’ dreams come true, Reach for a Dream, flew Emma and her family to Port Elizabeth, where she embraced every moment with boundless energy and curiosity!

“When she finally reached the beach, her excitement was contagious. She ran along the shoreline, squealing as the waves gently touched her feet, splashing with pure delight and collecting seashells with wide-eyed wonder,” shares Reach for a Dream.

The little girl was joined by her mom and sister. Together they got to have tons of fun building sandcastles, chasing waves, and getting lost in unforgettable moments filled with love and laughter.

For Emma, the beach wasn’t just a place; it was a celebration of joy, resilience, and life’s little treasures.

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Young Mia, who faces serious health challenges with incredible courage, had two of her dreams come true thanks to Reach for a Dream!

Ballito, South Africa (16 January 2025) – A love for photography and a heart that beats for adventure is what has kept 17-year-old Mia’s spirits up as she faces an uphill battle with a rare disease.

So early into her young life, Mia has been met with incredible challenges that no child should have to experience, including that of a kidney transplant.

Providing a much-needed break from her health challenges, which she has faced with inspiring strength and courage, was the team that brings smiles and hope to many little warriors: Reach for a Dream.

The thrill-seeker’s special day at Adventure Valley was filled with joy and adrenaline as she soared through the mountains on a zip-line, embracing her love for thrill and nature.

But that wasn’t the only passion of Mia’s that the organisation fulfilled on the day. Mia was also surprised with a state-of-the-art camera which she wasted no time putting to the test during a guided safari with her loved ones beside her to witness her joy.

“Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mia held it close, exclaiming that it was hers and that she could finally create unforgettable memories.

“Her camera is now more than a tool, it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and her unwavering love for life’s beauty,” Reach for a Dream shared.

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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For many children battling illnesses in hospitals across the country, this holiday season has been far from fun, nevertheless magical. But the Reach for a Dream Foundation team brought the magic of the season to life, spreading joy and hope to young patients.

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 January 2025) – Picture a little life filled with the excitement of the promise that Christmas brings – presents, sitting on Santa’s lap, joy and a home filled with warmth and love – but sadly, this excitement proves to be a farfetched dream as they’re restricted to the confinements of their hospital bed coupled with countless doctor checkups.

This was the reality for many tiny tots and teens who spent their Christmas away from home as they bravely faced life-threatening illnesses and health complications in paediatric wards in hospitals across the country.

But, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for these little warriors, as the Reach for a Dream team made it their mission to spread magic and create little pockets of happiness in hospital wards nationwide.

At Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital on the East Rand of Johannesburg for example, the holiday spirit came alive with smiles, bright eyes, laughter, surprise visits from a cheerful Santa and amazing gifts for little dreamers, thanks to the incredible support of The Star Foundation.

The team of dedicated dreammakers also treated the kids to delicious sponsored meals and was able to create moments of joy that these children will treasure forever.

From thoughtful presents to festive cheer, these invaluable acts of kindness hold so much compassion and make a world of difference in the lives of very brave children fighting great health battles.

Sources: Reach for a Dream Foundation

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow
GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good
news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the
Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things
Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes
there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes
& hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South African
balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are
still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more
proudly South African.

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It’s not every day you get to live out your wildest dream. But brave little Alia got to do just that, overjoyed and filled with wonder as she got to be a firefighter for a day.

Cape Town, South Africa (10 December 2024) – The thrill of riding a fire engine, gearing up in a helmet and being in the presence of real-life heroes was a dream come true for little Alia.

Alia and her younger brother, Alonzo, were treated to an unforgettable day at the Roland Street Fire Station, thanks to Reach for a Dream volunteer Renee Kemm and Engen’s Employee Community Partnership Programme.

For a day, this very special eight-year-old got to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter – an adventure that she had long wished for.

“It was incredibly moving to see the happiness and excitement in Alia and Alonzo,” says Renee who played a key role in bringing Alia’s dream to life.

“Both of them left the fire station with huge smiles.  Knowing I played a small part in making Alia’s dream come true was a very special moment for me.

The joy on the precious girl’s face was a sight to behold as she tried on firefighting equipment, learned about the heroic work of firefighters, and even received gifts ranging from toys and sneakers to a tablet.

For Renee, who raised funds through raffle tickets sold at a gold day towards making Alia’s dream become a reality, this is what makes the work with Reach for a Dream so rewarding.

Reach for a Dream is dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children battling serious illnesses and relies on the support of donors to make dreams like Alia’s come true.

“These children face tremendous hardship and are in desperate need of joy and encouragement,” adds Heidi Rowley, Western Cape Branch Manager at Reach for a Dream, emphasising that support helps create magical moments that give these children hope.

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Alwaba, a bright and bubbly little girl, had her dream come true. She got to spend a magical day surrounded by adorable farm animals, including bonding with her absolute favourite – a fluffy little lamb!

Port Elizabeth, South Africa (15 November 2024) – One special little girl, with a very big personality, Alwaba recently got to meet her favourite animal, a fluffy sheep!

With her brightest and most precious smile, Alwaba’s face lit up instantly upon seeing the beautifully arranged pink, sheep-themed table set up just for her. It set the perfect tone for a day that would forever be etched in her heart.

She was treated to fun-filled interactions with animals by the Reach for a Dream team, where Alwaba got to feed the chickens, cuddled with a baby goat, played with a fluffy bunny, and even went for a ride on Norman, a gentle little pony.

But the fluffy companion that stole her heart? – an adorable lamb which the six-year-old got to spend the morning with, adorning it with soft kisses and gentle caresses.

After her time with the animals, Alwaba’s eyes soon met two beautifully wrapped boxes waiting just for her.

Barely able to contain her excitement she opened the first box which held something she’d been longing for – a tablet to call her own! The smaller box had a pair of pink earphones to match.

Her unforgettable day came to a beautiful end as the little one enjoyed a meal with her family and bounced on the trampoline and played on the swings, delighted to have had the “best day ever!

Sources: Reach for a Dream

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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