Three decades of helping kids
ILLOVO – A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Reach For A Dream Foundation to continue making dreams come true.
It has been a long but rewarding journey for Reach For A Dream as it recalls 33 years of dreaming.
The foundation, which first started on July 7, 1988, is aimed at alleviating the strain that life-threatening illnesses place on sick children and their families. Reach For A Dream helps to provide these dreamers with the opportunity to believe in their greatest wish.
The foundation was started by Owen Parnell who was inspired by an article by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Parnell was struck by the opportunity to establish a
similar venture in South Africa and on July 7, 1988, the foundation made its very first wish come true.
Little dreamer JC Steinman was treated to a wonderful birthday celebration with pony and motorcycle rides.
Over three decades later, under the watchful eyes of CEO Julia Sotirianakos and head of business Natalie Lazaris, the foundation has helped tens of thousands of children who are fighting an illness realise their dreams.
According to Lazaris, the foundation would not be where it is today without the warmth and support of the community. “I would like to thank our sponsors, hospitals, doctors and the communities that we work in – we are grateful that South Africa supports our beautiful cause,” she said.
Lazaris concluded, “As we celebrate 33 years of making dreams come true, we reflect on all the beautiful children whose lives we impact. Special thank you to our dream families and of course our dreamers for their bravery, strength and courage. You teach us to be resilient and to be positive.”
Details: Reach For A Dream www.reachforadream.org.za
